Exports by Victoria’s food and fibre sector grew seven per cent last year to $19.6 billion, the state’s latest Food and Fibre Export Performance report found. Two thirds of its exports went to Asia, while the state accounts for 24 per cent of the national total.

Founder of Kakadu Kitchen, Bininj man Ben Tyler, developed his passion for bush foods growing up in the Northern Territory. He recently completed a collaboration with one of Australia’s largest food rescue organisations, OzHarvest, to create 'Conscious Beverage'. Kim Berry speaks to Tyler about his commitment to share the heart of Bininj-Mungguy country with Australians and the world.

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) says a Federal Court decision that PepsiCo is liable for royalty withholding tax is a landmark decision. It was the first time a court had considered the diverted profits tax (DPT) since it was introduced in 2017. PepsiCo may appeal the decision.

Diageo has launched a campaign with its Bundaberg Rum brand against the Australian Tax Office’s current excise duty on spirits. Bundaberg Rum is currently taxed at 63 per cent per litre.

Fresh produce company Perfection Fresh is being sued by 12 women who worked at its Two Wells Glasshouse north of Adelaide. The United Workers Union says it is one of the biggest cases against workplace sexual harassment and assault ever brought before the Federal Court.

Melbourne-based cheese manufacturer, That’s Amore Cheese, has appointed former Nestlé managing director, Marco Alghisi, as the company’s new CEO.

Global ingredients company Tate & Lyle says the Australian Patent Office has upheld its allulose syrup patent application claims covering the manufacturing process and use of the syrup.

Eighth Day Foods says a major advancement in its patented rapid solid state fermentation technology opens the door for a whole range of pulses and seeds to be used as well as solving the challenges other plant-based protein manufacturers have not been able to. It's looking for investors to help bring it to market. 

Coldstream Brewery has updated its visual identity and rolled this out on its packaging. While changing a brand's design may come at the risk of confusing customers, this execution has risen to the challenge

The latest round of the WorldStar Packaging Awards has seen Australian and New Zealand companies receive the third highest number of wins in the world, just behind Japan and Germany.

Wide Open Agriculture rounded out its busy 2023 with its new German subsidiary, WOA Germany, selling and delivering its first order of lupin protein isolate since the merger. WOA CEO Jay Albany said it was a “truly momentous achievement”.

As back-to-school approaches, Perfection Fresh and Sesame Street have joined forces to highlight the importance of fruit and vegetable consumption. Not-for-profit A Better Choice! is also on board for the five-week project.

Coles has appointed lawyer Jenny Linsten as its code arbiter in accordance with the Food and Grocery Code of Conduct. She replaces Jeff Kennett who had been in the role for almost 10 years and will start on 15 February.

Provenance science company Source Certain has released an origin verification program for the coffee industry. It provides fast and evidence-based validation of coffee country-of-origin claims.

Flour and bakery manufacturer Allied Pinnacle is building an 11,800 square metre purpose-built distribution centre (DC) in Ravenhall, Melbourne. The facility is set to open in 2025.

Hills Cider Co has been acquired by the Jetty Road Publican Group and signed on with Craft Revolution as its new distributor. The Jetty Road Group includes ex-CUB CEO Peter Filipovic and other investors.