Gleb Tsipursky argues that AI’s value in food manufacturing will depend on learning from its mistakes, with frontline insights helping improve safety, productivity and decision-making.

Treasury Wine Estates (TWE) says it is dropping the value of its US business by a further $558 million in write-downs. This follows the $687 million of write-downs the wine maker made against the business unit in December 2025.  

Indonesia’s sovereign wealth fund will take a 25 per cent stake in JBS’s Australian and New Zealand operations, with Danantara Investment Management paying $3.5 billion (US$2.5 billion) in equity under a joint venture that gives the world’s largest protein producer up to US$5 billion to fund regional expansion.

Robotic Automation has been acquired by Varley Group, in a move both companies say will strengthen their ability to invest in automation and support Australian manufacturing.

Inghams Group Limited has significantly expanded its Victorian poultry breeding operations by partnering with ProTen, Australia’s largest corporate meat chicken grower.

Endeavour Group’s underlying net profit fell 14.8 per cent to $363 million in preliminary FY26 results, with the drinks retail and hotels group booking $372 million in pre-tax significant items as it puts numbers against the strategy review unveiled in May.

Sydney based, Archie Rose Distilling Co., has been certified as a B Corporation, with the company timing the milestone to its push into export markets.

Casella Family Brands (CFB) will manufacture and distribute Four Loko in Australia and take on packaged distribution of non-alc beer brand Heaps Normal, in two partnerships from 3 August.

The family company behind soy milk label, Bonsoy, has unveiled a refreshed brand identity as it approaches 50 years in business.

As the confectionery industry navigates rapid change – from shifting consumer expectations to sustainability pressures and evolving regulation – its enduring appeal of creating moments of joy, indulgence and connection remains unchanged. Australian Industry Group’s Wendy Larter reports from the 30th anniversary of the Australian confectionery industry’s flagship annual event ConTech2026. 

The federal government has agreed or agreed in principle to 15 of the 23 recommendations from the Food for Thought inquiry into food and beverage manufacturing, with its long-awaited response leaning heavily on existing programs including the National Reconstruction Fund, Industry Growth Program, and Feeding Australia strategy rather than committing new funding.

Three weeks after its official opening, the $17.14 million Central Coast Food Manufacturing Innovation Hub at Ourimbah is preparing to welcome its first tenants. Food & Drink Business toured the facility to see the production spaces, pilot plant, and training programs designed to grow the region’s $2 billion food and beverage manufacturing sector.

Reploid Group is expanding into Oceania, with the launch of a new sales company in New Zealand. Reploid builds modular plants that use insect larvae to repurpose food waste, having the potential to fill the gap left by Goterra’s collapse into voluntary administration earlier this year.

Welcome to the July edition of PLAY, your monthly wrap-up of the biggest stories shaping Australia's food and beverage manufacturing industry. This month we're looking at court action, a major take-private deal, alleged tomato provenance fraud, new leadership and investment in manufacturing capability. Let's get into it. 

Winners of the 2026 Australasian Packaging Innovation & Design (PIDA) Awards were recognised last week during foodpro 2026, a showcase of how the industry is incorporating circularity, usability, accessibility and digital functionality into packaging solutions across the board.

Tasmanian whisky producer Lark Distilling Co has closed FY26 with fourth quarter net sales of $5 million, up 44 per cent on the prior corresponding period (pcp), taking full year net sales to $18 million, a 15 per cent increase on FY25.