The news you need to know: February 2026

Welcome to Food & Drink Business PLAY. Here are our top stories for February – from food safety and major retail scrutiny, to a big sustainability investment and a new global player backing an Australian beverage business.

Packaging News

Australian packaging converters are continuing to adapt to ongoing volatility in global polymer markets, with a focus on material optimisation and supply resilience.

This year’s Best Packaging finalists in The Hive Awards showcase how innovation is reshaping performance, sustainability, and scalability across the food and beverage sector.

Orora has downgraded its FY26 earnings outlook for Saverglass, citing both direct operational disruption and broader market impacts stemming from the ongoing Middle East conflict.