Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) sustainability lead, Scott Edwards, shared insights on the company’s approach to circular economy and sustainability in packaging with delegates at the recent Australasian Waste & Recycling Expo.

The latest quarterly Consumer Price Index (CPI) data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows that while consumers were paying higher prices for fruit and vegetables, there was some relief in overall food price inflation in, Rabobank says. This quarter was the lowest food inflation number since 1.9 per cent in December 2021.

Educating Australian consumers about the food waste challenge should be both a high priority and a fundamental strategy of product manufacturers, grocery retailers and foodservice providers, says Kerry Australia and New Zealand RD&A director, Michael Palmer, after the company’s Left on the Shelf report found Australians were more than 10 per cent less concerned about food waste than their international counterparts.

Twelve NSW businesses have each received $6000 to help showcase their products to buyers from around the world, with the goal to export more and create new jobs and opportunities at home.

Following the latest consumer price index (CPI) release, the federal government confirms the excise on beer and spirits will increase from today (5 August). Industry bodies condemn the rise to more than $103 per litre, saying it is causing damage to the spirits industry and to craft brewers across the country.

The recent Australian Conservation Foundation report into what food companies are doing to assess the nature-related impacts of their operations was sobering. Such a lack of knowledge is not just restricted to nature, instead applying to all aspects of operations. So, how can companies become more aware of their impacts – and is it going to hurt?  

GNT is working to develop new plant-based, sustainable EXBERRY colour solutions for food and drink using unique fermentation technologies.

The earn-out dispute between Maggie Beer Holdings (MBH) and Hampers & Gifts Australia (HGA) has been resolved, with MBH agreeing to pay $2 million cash to the vendors.

Asahi Lifestyle Beverages is partnering with non-profit charity, The Smith Family, to support the education needs of disadvantaged young Australians.

McCormick & Company Australia, has partnered with community partners OzHarvest and Ronald McDonald House Charities Victoria & Tasmania to reduce food waste through rescued ingredients.

Financial reporting season is upon us. Here is a snapshot of how some food and beverage businesses have performed in 4Q24 and FY24, including: Bubs Australia, Top Shelf International, Pure Foods Tasmania, Rare Foods Australia, Yowie Group, The Original Juice Company, Forbidden Foods, Noumi, and Farm Pride Eggs.

Billson’s Beverages has gone into voluntary administration, McGrathNicol Restructuring has been appointed administrator. The company is family owned, based in Beechworth, Victoria and had been operating for seven years.

Wine Australia has released its annual Export Report, showing Australian wine exports have increased in value by 17 per cent. This represents the surge in exports to mainland China, following the lifting of previously imposed tariffs.

New Zealand flour manufacturer, Champion Flour Milling, has hired the country’s first female miller. Huzeinat Shidi is not afraid of firsts, having been the first female miller in Nigeria, before she emigrated to New Zealand.

Managing director of Woolworths Supermarkets, Natalie Davis, has resigned, leaving the FMCG retail world for the health sector, joining Ramsay Health Care as Group CEO. She has been with Woolworths Group for nine years.

FY24 proved to be a positive year for Bubs Australia, with the infant formula manufacturer exceeding its revenue guidance of $80 million and delivering a 34 per cent increase on FY23. Bubs CEO and MD, Reg Weine, said its key target market, the US, delivered “exceptional growth”.