Years in the making, Top Shelf International (TSI) has released Act of Treason, a 100 per cent agave spirit made from its dedicated agave farm and distillery in Queensland’s Whitsundays region.

Cape Byron Distillery has taken over the sales and distribution for Australian vermouth brand Regal Rogue and grape spirit label Feels Botanical. Both are now available through Cape Byron sales representatives and wholesalers.

Plant-based meat pioneer v2food has acquired plant-based ready-meal brand, Soulara, and announced a new business Flexitarian Meal Solutions to house it and v2food’s new fitness ready-meal brand Macros.

In a first for its Australian business, Mondelez International has released an economic and social report on its local operations, revealing how it contributed nearly $1 billion to the Australian economy.

Scott Hadley has resigned as CEO from TasFoods and will step down on 28 March. His replacement is CFO Josh Fletcher, and the current financial controller, Leanne Pritchard, will become CFO.

After a successful $14 million share placement, Bubs Australia raised a further $3.4 million through a share purchase plan (SPP). Funds will go towards its expansion in the US and application for permanent access.

Riverina-based company, Meditrina Beverages, has acquired the family-owned winery Warburn Estate. Warburn was established in 1968 by the Sergi family.

Keybridge Capital Limited announced an off-market takeover offer for Yowie Group at 3.4 cents per share. Keybridge has 35.5 per cent interest in the company and attempted a takeover in 2019.

The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) has released new data revealing 63 per cent of all wild-caught prawns in Australia are now certified to the MSC Fisheries Standard, the world’s benchmark for sustainable fishing.

Tea company Dilmah has partnered with The Salvation Army to help Australians in need this holiday season, donating 15 cents from every specially marked pack sold between October and January.

The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has launched its $40 million National Industrial Transformation (NIT) Program, aimed at reducing Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions at existing or planned industrial facilities in Australia.

Norco Co-operative farmers are expected to deliver around 660,000 litres of milk this festive season, and will receive an extra 15 cents per litre for milk supplied on Christmas Day through the annual Christmas Bonus initiative. 

The ACCC has published its final guidance on environmental claims, consisting of eight principles to guide businesses to ensure environmental marketing and advertising claims made about products or services are clear, accurate, and do not mislead consumers.

Hill-Smith Family Estates has appointed Jack Glover as its new executive director of marketing and sales. Glover will assume responsibility of the collection of Hill-Smith wine brands and drive its global marketing and sales strategies.

Despite our best efforts, in a list of size, scale, and content as our Top 100 companies report sometimes, we get it wrong. This year, an incorrect figure was supplied for Vittoria Food & Beverage. Food & Drink Business regrets the error. 

The importance of shortbread as part of Christmas cuisine is as fixed for some as fruit mince tarts and Christmas pudding with brandy custard. When your brand is globally recognised and associated with shortbread, for Walker’s Shortbread it is time to shine. Kim Berry asked CEO Sir Jim Walker some questions during his recent visit to Australia.