In a deal worth $54.5 billion (US$35.9 billion), global food business Mars has acquired snacks and cereal giant Kellanova as it looks to double its Snacking business in the next decade. All Kellanova’s brands, assets, and operations, including its snacking brands, portfolio of international cereal and noodles, North American plant-based foods and frozen breakfast are included in the transaction.

Global ingredients manufacturer, Tate & Lyle PLC, has appointed Sarah Kuijlaars as its new chief financial officer, effective from 16 September. She succeeds Dawn Allen, who is moving on to the same role at healthcare company, Haleon.

Health and wellness food company, Forbidden Foods, says its acquisition of plant-based non-dairy brand Oat Milk Goodness for $3.42 million is a “strategic opportunity” to expand the business.

The George Institute for Global Health has revealed baby and toddler foods in supermarkets are not as healthy as they claim, with almost 80 per cent failing sugar and calorie content limiting criteria from the World Health Organization.

Research emerging from Victoria has shown that legume-based pasture systems can help graziers produce more lamb with a smaller carbon footprint, while maintaining productivity and profitability.

Two of plant-protein ingredient manufacturer Wide Open Agriculture’s (WOA) co-founders, Ben Cole and Anthony Maslin, are reducing their board roles, with Cole retiring completely and Maslin stepping down as chair to non-executive director. Acting CEO, Matthew Skinner, has also resigned.

Deloitte is conducting a survey investigating the use of climate-smart practices in Australian farming to be used by the Australian Food & Agriculture Taskforce to map a pathway to a climate-resilient national food system.

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners’ $105.5 million investment in its Moorabbin, Victoria facility is the largest investment in the company’s manufacturing network. The new line will be able to deliver up to 17.8 million cases a year. 

Alcoholic beverage company, Lion, is continuing its ongoing partnership with Pacific Airshow Gold Coast – taking place over the weekend from 16-18 August.

Alcoholic beverage company, Diageo Australia, has conducted a global recruitment process to fill the commercial director and new head of premix growth positions on its leadership team.

Hyper-fermentation biomanufacturing start-up, Cauldron Ferm, is one of the first five recipients in the federal government’s $392 million Industry Growth Program (IGP), which was announced in the 2023 budget.

The window for delivering fresh products is small, with shifting consumer preferences and supply chain disruptions. But by leveraging advanced forecasting capabilities and integrating diverse data sources, Dr Madhav Durbha from Relex Solutions says manufacturers can significantly reduce waste and ensure fresher products for consumers.

Research led by the University of Auckland has shown New Zealand grocery prices have risen so rapidly over the past six years that families on benefits can no longer feed children healthily.

The government has released its new National Science Statement and National Science and Research Priorities, outlining the long-term vision for Australia’s science and research system.

The West Australian government says an industry-led strategy aims to boost craft beer production in the state, tripling either the volume or value of locally produced beers over the next 10 years.

ADM category marketing manager Nutrition ANZ, Melissa Przydacz, reports on modern snacking trends, as consumers are gravitating toward food options that fit seamlessly into their hectic lifestyles.