Australian Vintage says its strategic review identified several initiatives, including “potential transformational mergers”, and is in “very early stage” exploratory discussions with Accolade Wines, but there is no certainty any transaction will eventuate.

Chobani has teamed up with Foodbank and Woolworths to launch two new fundraising yoghurts. Each 907g yoghurt tub sold donates funds to Foodbank’s Fruit and Vegetable Program, boosting its supply of fresh produce to Australians in need. 

Welcome to Food & Drink Business’ first print magazine of 2024. Before we even know what’s what, we have the first ever APPEX event kicking off in just two weeks time, and our inaugural (a time for firsts!) Hive Awards underway (extended closing date is this Thursday, 29 February). 

The Naturally Good 2024 Awards are now open for entries, featuring 14 categories including Best Food Product, Best Beverage Product, Best Functional Food or Beverage Product, and a new publicly voted People’s Choice Award. 

Researchers at Deakin University have completed a nutritional audit of 700 plant-based foods that are on sale in Australian supermarkets. While results varied widely within and across categories, they found a consistent trend of plant-based meats getting saltier.

Announcing its 1H24 results, Bega said its performance reflected the importance of the group’s diversity, with its Branded business unit more than offsetting the decline it had in the Bulk segment.

Australian Vintage has achieved B Corp certification for its Australian operations and global pillar brands, including Tempus Two, McGuigan Wines, Nepenthe, Barossa Valley Wine Company, and Not Guilty. The winemaker has set a net zero target for 2040, and will transition to 100 per cent renewable electricity across all sites this year. 

Winners of the Sydney Royal Cheese and Dairy Produce Show have been revealed, with Bega’s Rindless Vintage Cheese taking out the top honour of Champion Cheese, and Lactalis Australia’s Pauls Farmhouse Gold crowned Champion White Milk.

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is inviting stakeholders to participate in the review of Food Standards Australia New Zealand Act 1991. Submissions close on 4 April.

As Woolworths Group announced the resignation of CEO Brad Banducci, it also released its 1H24 financial results, recording a 4.4 per cent increase in group sales to $34.6 billion and a net loss after tax of $781 million.

Maggie Beer Holdings (MBH) has put the planned investment into Paris Creek Farms on hold after a 10 per cent drop in its revenue. MBH also announced it is in advanced conversations with a third-party supplier to produce its Maggie Beer cheeses.

A new $12.2 million food and beverage manufacturing centre in Western Australia will be open to all food and beverage businesses that are looking for low-risk environment to scale up production.

Cultivate Food and Beverage, a social enterprise backed by South Australian disability services provider Bedford, has acquired Adelaide Hills Food, with major growth plans for the well-known bakery and food manufacturer.

JBS Australia has commenced the second shift at its Dinmore processing facility. Following its $77 million upgrade, the site has welcomed more than 300 new team members, with the dual-shift system expected to double Dinmore’s daily processing capacity. 

Cargill has launched SustainConnect, a sustainable agriculture program designed to connect Australian canola growers with new and emerging markets, while catering to the rising domestic and international demand for sustainable Australian canola.

Woolworths Group CEO and managing director, Brad Banducci, has resigned and will step down in September. The MD of WooliesX, Amanda Bardwell, will be the company’s new CEO.