Accolade Wine parent company, Australian Wine Holdco Limited (AWL), has acquired Pernod Ricard’s Australian, New Zealand, and Spanish wine portfolio for an undisclosed sum. Subject to regulatory approvals, the deal is expected to be finalised in 2H CY25. 

Australia's biggest recycling company, Visy, has commissioned the country's first oxygen-fuelled glass furnace at its recycling and remanufacturing facility in Penrith, Western Sydney.

Reality and potential. That is what this week’s Global Food Forum in Brisbane boiled down to. More than 400 people working in agriculture and food and beverage manufacturing – let’s call it what it is, our food system – brought together to hear about the industry feeling the weight of myriad issues while bright and ever present in the distance, the industry’s own green light at the end of the dock with its promise of opportunities, growth, and economic security.

At the 12th annual Global Food Conference this week, Visy chair, Anthony Pratt, delivered a keynote address of positivity and promise. While his sentiment might not have been a dominant one throughout the day, Pratt’s message was clear, the sector has shown immense growth and will continue to do so.

The post-pandemic era has resulted in a swaying range of public opinion towards companies. Roy Morgan has conducted its End of Financial Year webinar – where CEO, Michele Levine discussed public opinion of corporate Australia.

Energy prices, high production costs, and excessive regulation were recurring themes at this year’s Global Food Forum, held in Brisbane yesterday (17 July). More than 400 industry leaders across the food and agribusiness sector were in the room. Here are just some of the highlights.

The Western Australian government is continuing to support the local food and beverage manufacturing sector, investing half a million dollars into the latest edition of its Agrifood and Beverage Voucher Program.

A new research report, commissioned by Cancer Council, has investigated the impact of zero alcohol products on Australian teenagers, as concerns arise that they could be a gateway to future alcohol usage.

Coles has launched its annual campaign in collaboration with food rescue charity, SecondBite, to help support Australians struggling financially this winter.

The National Health and Medical Research Council has funded a research study that reduces high Health Star Rating’s on ‘unhealthy’ foods, by factoring in ultra-processing. This approach fails to reflect the complex interaction of nutrition and health with the human body.

The Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology is gearing up for the 2024 edition of its annual convention. The event will be held at the Sydney International Convention Centre from 6-7 August.

Treasury Wine Estates says the integrated automation and barrel handling system at its Barossa Valley winery in South Australia is a world first. It is the latest investment at the site, which cost $165 million, and was officially opened in 2022.

Research comparing funding for alternative proteins by 10 governments around the world puts Australia in last place, alternative protein think tank, Food Frontier, found. But there were some positives regarding regulation and R&D.

To become the market leader for online premium meat products, Otto Gourmet founders – brothers Wolfgang, Stephan, and Michael Otto – needed high quality products and systems to ensure safe and timely delivery. CSB-System has provided an ERP system that has grown with the business.

Marcel Koks is the Industry and Strategy Solution director for the Food & Beverage sector at Infor, a global business cloud software company. With more than 20 years' experience in working with companies implement enterprise applications for resource planning and supply chain management, Koks shares his insights with Food & Drink Business on how AI can help businesses improve process productivity and efficiency. 

The Queensland government has opened the first round of its $2.8 million Women in Industry grants program to support women entering and succeeding in typically male-dominated industries.