Australia’s drinks industry is no stranger to trends and innovation, and one tipple that’s been gaining attention is tequila. Kim Berry speaks to Ewen Pettit, the co-founder of Super Drop, to delve deeper into the spirit.

Hill-Smith Family Estates has appointed Sam Wigan as its new head of winemaking ahead of the 2024 vintage, succeeding Louisa Rose, who will step into the role of head of sustainability.

Food logistics company NewCold has acquired refrigerated transport specialist Karras. NewCold launched its Australian operations six years ago in Victoria.

Australian Beer Co (ABCo) has acquired Ampersand Projects as it advances its ambitions in the spirits and RTD categories. Ampersand was founded in 2018 by Marcus Kellett, Shaun Rankins and Alex Bottomley.

Fonterra and Nestlé have completed the sale of their joint venture, Nestlé’s Dairy Partners Americas (DPA) Brazil, to the French dairy company Lactalis.

BioPak says it is supporting food rescue organisation OzHarvest with a new Christmas cup campaign, with the goal to deliver 20,000 meals to people in need this holiday season.

The completion of a significant automation project by MHM Automation has revolutionised the back-end of operations at Midfield Group’s meat processing plant in Warrnambool, Victoria. Melissa Dwyer reports.

Non-alcoholic beverage wholesaler VinZero has secured the ranging of its products with Paramount Liquor. VinZero’s full range will now be available within Paramount’s portfolio, selling to retailers and hospitality venues across Australia.

TNA Solutions has added a third manufacturing site in Australia, the second in Sydney, to meet the burgeoning demands for technology solutions from the global confectionery and nutraceutical sectors.

A collaboration between Eighth Day Foods and food relief organisation Feed One Feed All (FOFA) will see Eighth Day Food’s new plant protein product, Lupreme, used in meals for people experiencing food insecurity.

MEQ has appointed Keith Byrne as GM of its Australia and New Zealand operations. Byrne started his career at Coca-Cola Bottlers in Ireland and has held COO roles at OZGANICS and Byron Bay Cookie Company.

Australian food tech company, Nourish Ingredients, will use Singapore as its base to build a regional footprint for its world first animalic fats. In October, Nourish Ingredients launched its breakthrough plant-based fat, Tastilux, that is derived from nature but cooks, smells, and tastes like traditional meat.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was on hand to open Bundaberg Brewed Drinks’ $152.4 million ‘super brewery’. After two years of construction, founder Cliff Fleming said it was the culmination of a dream that began 55 years ago with a family owned business and a commitment to local production.

Inghams Group released a trading update for H1 FY24, saying strong operational performance has underpinned a positive start to the FY.

Treasury Wine Estates says its acquisition of the Californian DAOU Vineyards for US$1 billion will see its luxury portfolio account for more than 50 per cent of global sales as well as strengthening its Treasury Americas business.

Western Australia’s Good Earth Dairy has received a $4.4 million grant from the WA government to construct a fresh and powdered camel milk processing facility in Perth.