News

Endeavour Group has made several changes to its executive team, including appointing Benjamin Ward as Dan Murphy’s managing director, Catriona Larritt as the newly created chief customer officer, and new chief digital and legal officers.

Three Australian companies have been recognised at the 2025 Top Shelf Awards, honouring the winners from the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits and Ready to Drink Competitions – Burdekin Rum, Callington Mill, and Lyre’s Non-Alcoholic.

Inghams Group has reaffirmed its FY26 earnings guidance despite higher-than-expected operational costs across its Australian operations. The poultry producer expects underlying EBITDA pre-AASB 16 to be between $215 million and $230 million.

Diageo has appointed Dave Lewis as its next CEO and executive director, as the global drinks company grapples with debt, US tariffs, and consumers’ drinking less alcohol. He starts on 1 January 2026.

The Kimberley Meat Company (KMC), the only commercial-scale abattoir in northern Western Australia, and its parent company, Yeeda Pastoral Company, have been acquired by TLP4 Australian Holdings, a subsidiary of Canadian government-owned investment fund, Alberta Investment Management Corporation (AIMCo).

Foodservice distributor, PFD Food Services, is doubling the size of its Western Australian operations, with a new 22,290 square metre flagship facility set to open in ASCEND Industrial Estate, at Jandakot Airport, in October 2026.

Suntory Oceania has completed the $30 million IT transformation at its recently opened $400 million Swanbank factory in Ipswich, Queensland, which has been in the works for over three years.

Spirits Platform is the new distributor for the Cinzano Vermouth range in Australia. It follows Caffo Group acquiring the brand from Campari Group for 100 million euro earlier this year.

Asahi Beverages is the first major tenant announced for the new $1 billion industrial precinct, Deer Park Estate, in Melbourne’s west. Asahi’s 40,000 square metre purpose-built distribution centre will be the cornerstone of the development.

In a deal to strengthen its cross-border ecommerce presence in China, The a2 Milk Company (a2MC) has expanded its long-standing partnership with China State Farm Agribusiness Holding Shanghai Co. (CSFA) to include English label infant milk formula (IMF) products.

Artisanal Italian-style cheesemaker, Alba Cheese, has been acquired by private equity firm, Apta Group, as of 6 November. Alba was guided by accounting firm, EP Advisors, and Apta was advised by Victorian law firm, Maddocks.

Goterra has opened expressions of interest for its upcoming equity raise through OnMarket. Since it was founded in 2015, the company has used robotic insect farms to reduce food waste emissions by up to 97 per cent, compared to landfill.

Australian food manufacturer Roma Food products – parent company to brands Orgran, Pasta Roma, Spliits, Freemills, and BuonTempo – is celebrating more than seven decades of growth, innovation, and commitment to local production. CEO Sam Schachna speaks to Food & Drink Business editor, Kim Berry, on the company’s heritage and where it is heading.

Cobram Estate Olives has posted its highest-ever earnings and cash flow, while outlining ambitious expansion plans in the US. Chair Rob McGavin told the AGM the company’s growth reflected strong demand for Cobram Estate’s premium extra virgin olive oils.

The finalists of the 63rd annual Australian Export Awards have been announced, with 95 exporters spanning major sectors, including several from food and beverage. Winners will be presented on 26 November at a ceremony in Canberra.

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) Australia has taken a pioneering step in advancing Australia’s circular economy, unveiling the first consumer-facing Reverse Vending Machine (RVM) ever installed on a CCEP site globally.