• FoodTech Qld 2025. (Source: FoodTech Qld)
    FoodTech Qld 2025. (Source: FoodTech Qld)
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FoodTech Qld made a welcome return last week on Queensland’s Gold Coast last week, its first time being held since 2022. The event drew food and beverage manufacturers, suppliers, and innovators together from across the country for two days of connection.

FoodTech Qld product manager, Andrew Lawson, said the event’s focus was on next-gen insights on processing, packaging, safety, sustainability, and food technology.

“It’s been inspiring to see such strong collaboration and innovation on display – from cutting-edge processing solutions to the latest in sustainable packaging. We’re proud to provide a platform that connects the industry and helps shape what’s next,” Lawson said.  

The conference program was headlined by University of Queensland and Food and Beverage Accelerator (FaBA) Professor, Jason Stokes. His keynote focused on the power of emerging food tech in Australian manufacturing.

Lawson said a goal this year was to provide highly targeted networking opportunities and ensure a strong alignment between manufacturers and solution providers.

“Exhibitors were able to connect directly with food and beverage producers who were actively seeking new innovations, while attendees discovered actionable ways to improve business processes and streamline production,” he said.

Packaging News

Orora’s Australian cans operation has delivered another year of strong growth, helping the packaging group maintain steady underlying earnings despite challenging conditions across the glass market.

Amcor’s latest financial results point to a significantly expanded global packaging operation following its acquisition of Berry Global, with Australian packaging set to benefit from the global expansion.

In an initiative led by Viva Energy in partnership with Nestlé, a limited run of KitKat chocolate bars wrapped in locally manufactured recycled PP is rolling out to stores nationwide, demonstrating the potential for locally collected soft plastics to be returned to food-grade packaging in Australia.