Elixinol Wellness says its binding agreement to acquire Teresa Cutter’s health and wellness company, The Healthy Chef, will enhance revenue, margins, and EBITDA. The deal is worth up to $5.5 million with Cutter staying on as a consultant for three years.

The University of Queensland (UQ) is working to improve crop productivity and secure future food supplies with its new $65 million Plant Futures Facility. Fitted out with technology to finely control temperature, light intensity, light quality, humidity and carbon dioxide concentration, the space will allow researchers to study plant responses to future climates.

Lion has announced the winners for its annual trans-Tasman Supplier Recognition Awards, recognising the suppliers and lasting partnerships that keep the beverage giant up and running.

Another busy week for Australia’s food and beverage sector, kicking off with the launch of The Great Unwaste on Sunday and sliding towards a long weekend with the sizeable merger of the Original Juice Company, SPC Global, and Nature One Dairy. Let’s have a recap as well as a look at some overseas news.

The Tasmanian Beekeepers Association has launched a high-level marketing strategy for the state’s leatherwood honey industry. It provides a framework centred around brand, influence, communications, and information provision.

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) Australia has become a founding member of the Empowered Women in Trades (EWIT) Alliance, which aims to increase women’s participation in skilled trades from three to 30 per cent by 2030.

The Seeding The Future Foundation and Institute of Food Technologists are creating a database for food innovation, through its Global Food System Challenge grants.

Charity organisation, Redkite, is partnering with Australian brands through Coles supermarkets, to help raise funds for children with cancer.

The Original Juice Company has entered a binding merger implementation deed and share sales agreement to acquire SPC Global and Nature One Dairy. OJC says the deal delivers “increased scale, diversification, significant operational synergies, and a platform for further growth”.

Next-generation biomanufacturer, Cauldron Ferm, is being supported by the Queensland government through its Industry Partnership Program to develop a precision fermentation contract manufacturing facility in Mackay.

The Coopers Foundation Board has appointed former South Australian Premier, Steven Marshall, and sixth-generation family member, Bec Cooper, as its newest members.

Research from RMIT University is making it possible for waste coffee grounds to be turned into building materials, by creating a biochar that strengthens concrete by 30 per cent. The technique will be used in a major infrastructure project for the first time in a footpath in Pakenham, Melbourne.

Wine Australia says it welcomes the announcement by federal agriculture, fisheries and forestry minister, Julie Collins, that five new directors have been appointed to the Wine Australia board for a three-year term, from 1 October.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has been granted $30 million of additional funding for investigations and enforcement relating to the supermarket and retail sector over the next 3.5 years.

Hong Kong based Nissin Foods Company Limited has acquired the Australian manufacturer of frozen dumplings, ABC Pastry, for $33.7 million. Nissin Foods says the deal gives the group a "premium opportunity" to tap into Australia's frozen food market.

What's next for Australian packaging reform? The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water has outlined a three-option framework for proposed reforms to the packaging system.