Trade wars and Covid-19 are challenging the Australian wine industry, with the US and China markets slowing down their consumption, according to Rabobank’s latest Wine Quarterly report.

Diageo Australia managing director David Smith will leave the country after Easter to take on the role of managing director for the company in southern Europe from 1 May.

Queensland’s Fry Family Food Co will now form part of the LiveKindly Co portfolio, as it joins forces with the global collective of plant-based heritage and start-up brands. LiveKindly Co is backed by a $200 million founders’ funding round.

BioPak, KM Packaging Services, and agriculture company Costa have come together to create a pack for Woolworths’ sweet berry truss tomatoes.

Lion parent company Kirin has begun its KV 2027 strategy in an aim to secure long-term sustainable growth, by leveraging its fermentation and biotechnology. Strengthening its brewery business is a key focus, as it awaits completion on the divestment of the Lion Dairy & Drinks business.

Natural Evolution managing director and co-founder Krista Watkins has been named Queensland’s latest #eatqld Champion for her support of Queensland produce and agricultural innovation. Watkins will join the panel at the upcoming Women in Packaging breakfast forum.

Australian startup Cellr has developed a wine bottle lid that aims to combat counterfeit wine. The company said it allows consumers to confirm a wine’s provenance, verify its producers, and access brand and promotional messaging.

Global industrial automation company Omron has appointed Henry Zhou as managing director for its operations in the Oceania Region.

Australian beef exports have dropped for the first time after a 29-month run of year-on-year growth, following a drop in shipments to China by 12 per cent, as a result of ongoing Covid-19 ripple effects.

Amanda Banfield will leave Mondelez International after 30 years, stepping down from her current position as president for Australia, New Zealand and Japan. Darren O’Brien, Mondelez president, meals Europe and the global category team, will take over the position from May 1.

The New Zealand Whisky Co has entered a leasing agreement with Lion New Zealand for its whisky production, establishing a new distillery within Dunedin-based Speight’s Brewery.

B2B marketplace Yume will host its first webinar in its 2020 series this Friday, 13 March. The free series will invite experts to share the latest trends and solutions for businesses to overcome their food waste challenges.

Drought, bushfires and Covid-19 have all contributed to a manufacturing slowdown, as the Australian Industry Group Performance of Manufacturing Index reveals the lowest results in almost five years.

Diagnostics solutions specialist Romer Labs has launched its APAC Solutions Centre in Singapore, expanding its analytical services, technical support and customised training programs.

The Coopers Brewery Foundation will donate $150,000 to the Australian Literacy and Numeracy Foundation over the next three years to support its Early Language & Literacy Project.

After 11 years, Fonterra chairman John Monaghan will retire as a director of the co-operative at the end of his term in November, following the company's AGM.