Coles Group has posted four per cent supermarkets sales growth for the third quarter of FY26, driven by volume and eCommerce gains, while its Liquor division recorded a 3.9 per cent revenue decline amid soft consumer sentiment.

Asahi Beverages is the latest company to partner with Charles Sturt University (CSU) to support Australian farmers recognise and implement climate smart practices, with scientists from the Cool Soil Initiative tracking carbon emissions from the barley used in beer.

New Zealand based agtech company, Halter, has completed a $314.5 million Series E funding round, achieving a new $2.86 billion valuation. The company plans to use the funding to expand commercialisation of its virtual fencing and animal management system in Australia and the United States.

A senate inquiry into CSIRO funding and resourcing has warned Australia’s sovereign research capability is under pressure from job cuts, declining real funding, ageing infrastructure and uncertainty over the national science agency’s strategic direction.

The New South Wales government is investing a further $3.79 million in the state’s aquaculture industry, with four Shoalhaven projects selected under the Aquaculture Industry Development Program.

Western Australian independent foodservice distributor, New West Foods, has acquired Perth-based producer and distributor of European-style foods and beverages, European Foods.

Health and wellness company, Nuchev Limited, has appointed Matthew Parker as chief financial officer (CFO) on a permanent basis, following his commencement as interim CFO in January.

The latest rounds of funding from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has included up to $25.3 million for NewVolt to build a shared fast‑charging network for electric trucks in Victoria, and up to $1.77 million for 4 Pines Brewing Co to support the electrification of its Brookvale brewhouse.

The Queensland government has launched its $30 million Sowing the Seeds of Farming Innovation Fund (SSFIF), designed to accelerate agricultural innovation, adoption and productivity across the state’s primary industries.

The Australian Society of Viticulture and Oenology (ASVO) has appointed Emily White as the organisation’s new executive director, following an extended search for the ideal candidate. She will take over the role from Chris Waters after a two month collaborative transition period.

GS1 Australia has welcomed a collaboration between the world’s largest scanning solution providers, Datalogic, Honeywell, Newland AIDC and Zebra Technologies, which will support the global transition to retail 2D barcodes on product packaging.

Pure Foods Tasmania has reversed $4.5 million in deferred tax assets following a review by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), with the writedown representing 31 per cent of the company’s total assets.

Calabria Family Wine Group has confirmed House of Fine Wine as its single domestic trading and distribution platform, following the group’s February acquisition of House of Fine Wine and The Wine Company.

The federal government has responded to recommendations made for the National Organic Standard Bill 2024, over a year after the Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport Legislation Committee released its inquiry report.

After more than two years in the making, Treasury Wine Estates has launched a $15 million low- and no-alcohol wine production facility in the Barossa Valley. Kim Berry toured the site in late 2025 and reports on its progress.

The Australian Industry Group – Confectionery Sector’s annual conference is marking its 30th anniversary at its 2026 event on 2 June, at the MCG in Melbourne.