South Australian packaging manufacturer Detmold Group will produce 145 million surgical and respirator masks at its Adelaide factory to help with efforts against the coronavirus pandemic.

Drought, fire, floods and COVID-19 clearly affect the supply of the raw materials F&B manufacturers use to produce their products, So why is the sector able to “buck the trend” in manufacturing? Rob Stummer, SYSPRO Asia Pacific CEO writes.

A team of researchers have found the agave plant used to make tequila could be an environmentally-friendly solution to Australia’s transport fuel shortage, and could also help produce ethanol for hand sanitisers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The ACCC will not oppose Asahi Group Holdings’ proposed acquisition of Carlton & United Breweries. It said the acquisition can go ahead after Asahi has divested two beer and three cider brands.

Responsible sourcing of food, packaging, food waste and recycling continues to grow. Australian Food & Grocery Council sustainability director Barry Cosier explains why developing a circular economy is the best way forward.

Mars Wrigley Australia has appointed Ben Hill as its new marketing director, and will be responsible for the growth of the company’s 17 brands, including Extra, Maltesers, Mars and Skittles.

Nestlé has reported its progress in helping end deforestation and restore its cocoa supply chain, mapping around 75 per cent of the 120,000 cocoa farms it sources from in Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana.

Australia’s only medical mask manufacturer, Med-Con, has had to step up production dramatically amid the Covid-19 crisis, and has contracted Foodmach to assist in expanding manufacturing capacity.

Frontline medical staff around the country will receive 20,000 litres of hand sanitiser as Carlton & United Breweries teams up with hygiene company Ecolab to produce the much needed product.

Industry bodies representing food and beverage industries across Asia are calling on governments to shore up the supply and distribution of goods.

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has updated its COVID-19 information page and resources for food businesses. Food & Drink Business provides a range of links to additional industry resources.

Nestlé Australia has announced an extension to its partnership with food relief organisation Foodbank Australia, donating a minimum of $2 million in products over the next two months to Australians in need.

Pernod Ricard has announced an initiative pledging thousands of meals to hospitality workers impacted by COVID-19. The aim of Meals for Mates is to provide a meal to impacted hospitality works while helping keep takeaway and delivery industry open.

With indomitable spirit, Sallie Jones and Steve Ronalds decided to fight for their livelihood and community their own way. Premium dairy brand Gippsland Jersey is the result.

Consumer industry mergers and acquisitions in February topped $15.4 billion (US$9.13 billion), GlobalData's latest report said. Pepsico and Mondelez featured in the top five deals.

Unilever has announced a range of measures to support efforts in combatting COVID-19 to the value of just over $1 billion. CEO Alan Jope said: “As the world’s biggest soap company, we have a responsibility to help.”