Shipping costs have risen 12 per cent annually, driven by soaring fuel costs domestically and internationally. Labour market volatility and the rising cost of warehouses have also played major roles according to Steve Zammit, CEO of the Australian logistics technology platform, Interparcel.

The Federal Court has dismissed claims by global coffee company, Koninklijke Douwe Egberts BV (KDE) that Australian coffee brand, Vittoria, was passing off its freeze-dried Vittoria branded coffee as KDE’s Moccona brand by packaging the product in a glass jar.

Wine merchants, Samuel Smith & Son and Negociants Australia, have appointed Ty Menzies as the new executive director sales for Australia and New Zealand, effective December 2024.

Scientists from CSIRO have worked with agricultural innovation company, Nufarm, to increase oil yield from plants. This breakthrough will help advance the production and use of biofuels, such as sustainable aviation fuel.

New Zealand-based ethical soft drink brand, Karma Drinks, is accelerating its Australian expansion, aiming to double its business size within three years as part of a global growth strategy.

Increased promotional activity in the first quarter of FY25 did not translate to sales growth, with CEO Steve Donohue saying while the retail business was growing its market share and loyalty base, the challenge for the category “right now, is one of sales, first and foremost”.

Fonterra Co-operative Group has decided to proceed with a sale process for its global Consumer business, as well as integrated businesses Fonterra Oceania and Fonterra Sri Lanka, after exploring potential divestment options since May.

In a tough market, the release of Coopers Australian Lager in August 2023 has fuelled strong sales growth for the independent family-owned brewery, which posted a 1.5 per cent rise in total beer sales for the 2024 financial year.

Food and beverage export development agency, Incite, has released the results of its sixth annual survey of importers and distributors across the Asia Pacific Region, finding 97 per cent are actively reviewing new distribution opportunities.

Food and beverage manufacturers have done the industry proud with 16 producers, equipment and processing businesses being selected as national finalists in Austrade’s 62nd Australian Export Awards. Created in 1963 to showcase the achievements of Australian exporters, there are now 13 categories, drawing finalists from across Australia. Category winners and the 2024 Australian Exporter of the Year will be announced at an awards ceremony in Parliament House on 20 November.

The High Court of Australia has granted special leave to the Australian Taxation Office in its case against PepsiCo to appeal the Full Federal Court decision that overturned the original ruling that found the soft drink manufacturer liable for $3.6 million royalty witholding tax.

Coles 2024 Movember campaign has launched, with a portion of sales from participating products being donated to support programs and initiatives addressing mental health, prostate and testicular cancer, and suicide prevention across the country.

Rare Foods Australia is the only wild enhanced abalone fishery in the world, and recently expanded into a new challenge – taking the plunge into ocean cellaring. Keira Joyce speaks with the project's general manager, Simon Hanley, about the subsea wine development.

The winners of the 2024 Melbourne Royal Wine Awards have been announced, attracting 2300 entries from over 450 wineries across Australia.

Automation systems company, Swisslog, has appointed Joseph Kutek as its newest food and beverage sales consultant. With a strong technical background, he aims to assist the industry in choosing the right automation solutions for their purposes.

A diversified channel mix and higher domestic retail prices offsetting “significant” farmgate milk prices were highlights for Noumi in 1Q25, while the macro-economic environment and consumers’ cautious spending provided ongoing challenges.