Victoria has unveiled a five-year strategy to boost the state’s $9.5 billion wine sector, aiming to grow agriculture, boost innovation, and create jobs that strengthen regional economies.

Pernod Ricard’s Champagne house, G.H. Mumm, has appointed Trina Smith as Mumm Terroirs Pacific winemaker, overseeing all winemaking for the Australian and New Zealand portfolio.

Food Frontier’s AltProteins 25 is taking place 14 October at Sofitel Wentworth in Sydney. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to discuss the future of the Australian and global food systems – with half price tickets up for grabs for F&DB readers!

For the food and beverage manufacturing sector, the pace of innovation is matched by the level of scrutiny it faces. For food safety solutions company, Neogen, that creates opportunities to bring science, technology, and practical expertise together to help manufacturers manage risk and build consumer trust.

PepsiCo has acquired South Australian based seed potato business, Dowling AgriTech (DAT), aiming to strengthen seed supply security and drive innovation.

Australian ingredients distributor, Juremont, has launched its new Product Application Lab in Kew, Melbourne – aiming to respond directly to growing customer demand for technical solutions, product development, and collaborative innovation.

Sea Change Australia, funded by the federal government’s Fisheries Research and Development Corporation, is working to build climate resilient fisheries – currently focusing on Western Australian scallops.

The City of Greater Geelong and Geelong Manufacturing Council are creating a new Food and Agribusiness Network to help local industries to develop markets and capitalise on export opportunities across the globe.

The Australian National University Agrifood Innovation Institute (AFII) and Cellular Agriculture Australia recently partnered on a new event spotlighting the biotechnologies shaping the Australian food system – Made & Grown: The Future of Food.

Newly minted company, Ballarat Food Manufacturing, has leased its first production facility, aiming to manufacture Australia’s first locally made instant noodles, commencing mid-2026.

With summer around the corner, the founders of a new RTD brand are hitting the streets of Sydney to get word out about the fizz-free revolution, driven by Leuca – a vodka infused flavoured water now available in Apple Blackcurrant and Watermelon Mint Lime.

OzHarvest and Woolworths have reached the milestone of providing 100 million meals to Australians in need, through a decade of food rescue partnership.

Foodbank Australia has appointed Kylea Tink as its new chief executive officer, effective 27 October. She will take over the position from Brianna Casey, who is stepping down after being in the role since June 2016.

Gluten-free brewery, TWØBAYS Brewing Co, has undertaken a crowd sourced funding campaign via OnMarket, with registration for early access now open.

Hard coconut water brand, Coastal Drink Co, has unveiled its strategic rebrand, aiming to establish category leadership in premium coconut water based alcohol.

The New South Wales Environment Protection Authority (EPA) is partnering with TAFE NSW to reduce food waste in hospitality, with the launch of an online course supported by a $200,000 NSW EPA Business Food Waste Partnerships Grant.