The West Australian government’s Agrifood and Beverage Voucher Program has completed its fifth round, awarding 61 SMEs access to expert advice on building resilience, sustainability, competitiveness, scale, and export preparedness into their operations.

A study by LaTrobe University researchers found German and American consumers found foods labelled plant-based were more appealing than products marked as vegan or vegetarian, but does the finding ring true for Australians?

The Australian Distillers Association and Diageo Australia say economic modelling they commissioned show the spirits industry has the potential to rival wine exports and become a $1 billion export powerhouse if policy and regulatory barriers were eased.

Four years on from launching the Victorian Barley Program, Asahi Beverages hosted an evening with 30 of the state’s top barley farmers to mark the occasion.

Following the success of its first-ever Accessible Easter Egg Hunt in 2023 hosted in Melbourne, Cadbury is continuing the event in Sydney at NextSense, a non-profit organisation providing services for Australians who are blind, have low vision, deaf or hard of hearing.

The global wine market is facing a number of challenges including structural volume declines in mature markets and an over-reliance on older drinkers, but opportunities remain in NoLo category strength and ecommerce. IWSR outlines seven key trends shaping the global wine industry in 2024.

Australia’s leading business expo for natural and healthy products, Naturally Good, is returning on 2-4 June at the Sydney International Convention Centre in Darling Harbour. Visitor registrations are now open.  

End Food Waste Australia (EFWA) says its Sector Action Plan for the horticulture industry provides nine clear actions to reduce food waste starting at the farm, then along every stage of the supply chain, through to the shelf. Fresh produce accounts for 50 per cent of all food waste in Australia.

Elixinol Wellness has called an EGM regarding the capital raise to fund its acquisition of Ananda Food. Elixinol is the parent company of Hemp Foods Australia, Mt Elephant, The Australian Superfood Company, and pet food brand Field Day.

Fonterra Co-operative Group CEO Miles Hurrell says higher margins and sales volumes in the co-op's Foodservice and Consumer channels, which helped offset lower returns in its Ingredients business, were behind its strong performance in 1H24. 

Unilever says cutting 7500 jobs from the company around the world and separating the ice cream business (including Ben & Jerry’s and Magnum) will create a “simpler, more focused company”.

The House Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Resources has launched its inquiry into Food & Beverage Manufacturing in Australia. The inquiry will look at opportunities for expanding innovation and value-adding in the sector. Submissions close on 1 May.

More than 1200 suppliers joined Endeavour Group’s 2024 Supplier Forum, providing Endeavour’s suppliers with the latest updates on supplier engagement, industry trend views, and product knowledge and innovation.

Aspiring Victorian distillers now have the opportunity to attend a new National Distilling Institute pilot training program. The program is part of the $20 million Distillery Door Program, and focusses on distillation techniques and industry safety.

Australian hyper-fermentation company, Cauldron, has closed a $9.5 million Series A round, led by Horizons Ventures, with SOSV and In-Q-Tel (IQT) joining existing investor, Main Sequence. In 2023, it completed an over-subscribed seed funding round, raising $10.5 million.

Food fraud has serious food safety and reputational impact, with unscrupulous organisations finding more sophisticated ways of duping companies and consumers. Global Quality lead for industry consultancy Campden BRI, Richard Leathers, outlines how to successfully navigate such threats.