News

Visy has completed a $30 million upgrade to its 100 per cent recycled paper mill on Gibson Island in Brisbane, which will manufacture new grades of paper for corrugated boxes used by Queensland farmers and food and beverage businesses.

The Cadbury Factory waterfront parklands in Hobart, Tasmania, are receiving a makeover, as Australian chocolate consumption continues to drop. The $150 million attraction is set to open in 2027, with Cadbury acting as brand partner.

PepsiCo has announced the winners of its 2025 Asia Pacific (APAC) Greenhouse Accelerator (GHAC) program, including two Australian finalists – Calyx.eco and Endua.

Australia has long set the standard for coffee culture and creative food fusion. But in 2025, what’s landing on plates and filling cups is shifting again – this time with a distinctly Asia-Pacific flavour. Pureprofile Australia senior account director, Kate Richards, shares insights on the latest trends.

Family-owned chocolate maker, Haigh’s Chocolates, has opened its new $120 million production, warehouse and online fulfilment facility in South Australia, enabling the company to almost double its chocolate production.

Sydney Brewery says its acquisition of the brewing assets and long-term lease of the White Bay Brewing site in Rozelle, Sydney, will give the brewery capacity to launch new product lines and expand its bar presence.

Lark Distilling Co. has appointed Four Pillars Gin co-founder, Stuart Gregor, as its new managing director and CEO, taking effect from 1 January 2026. He will succeed Satya (Sash) Sharma, who is stepping down after being in the role since May 2023.

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) has signed a five-year partnership with environmental not-for-profit organisation, Landcare Australia, to help protect and preserve Australia’s natural environment.

In October 2024, Gold Coast-based food manufacturer, Smart Foods, acquired The Aussie Plant Based Co. just days after it had gone into liquidation. Food & Drink Business caught spoke the CEO, Raghu Reddy, as the company nears its first-year anniversary, about the company and alternative protein landscape.

Bega Group has reached an agreement with Crumpton Group to sell the land, buildings and equipment located at the Peanut Company of Australia’s peanut processing sites in Kingaroy and Tolga, after initially deciding they would be shut down over the next 18 months.

National industry body, Spirits & Cocktails Australia (SCA), has appointed Steven Fanner as executive director. Fanner will be based in Canberra, as the organisation moves its headquarters from Sydney to the capital.

For Bruce Russell, Wild Turkey isn’t just a whiskey brand – it’s family. As the third generation of Russells to work at the Kentucky distillery, Bruce carries forward a legacy built by his grandfather, Jimmy Russell, and his father, Eddie Russell. Food & Drink Business caught up with Bruce on his recent Australian visit to promote the release of Masters Keep Beacon, Wild Turkey’s 11th Masters Keep expression.

PepsiCo’s Brisbane snack manufacturing facility will continue to be powered by 100 per cent renewable electricity, after signing a new agreement with CleanCo.

The Royal Agriculture Society of Western Australia (RASWA) has celebrated the top Australian wines of the last year from over 1000 entries, at the 2025 Perth Royal Wine Awards on 5 September.

With the latest NIQ report showing the moderation has no signs of slowing down, there’s a growing opportunity for alcohol brands to switch gears and get innovating. Food & Drink Business spoke with Tahli Watts, founder of the mid-strength spirits brand which is gearing up to transform Australian drinking habits, Enough.

More than 4300 exhibitors and 135 group stands will be at Anuga Fine Food 2025, from 4-8 October in Cologne, Germany. Food & Drink Business editor, Kim Berry, will be on the ground reporting on the latest products and innovation.