Industry News
Mainland Group sale to Lactalis for $4.22bn now unconditional
Fonterra Co-operative Group Ltd has confirmed that the agreement to sell its global consumer and associated businesses Mainland Group to Lactalis for $4.22 billion is now unconditional. [ + ]
Construction begins on Alfa Laval's Food Application & Innovation Center
The research and development facility being built by Alfa Laval in Copenhagen will initially focus on advancing protein processing. [ + ]
Australian-made recyclable Paper Bubble wrap from Visy
Visy has introduced a recyclable Paper Bubble as part of its efforts to phase out more single-use plastics. [ + ]
SAPAL SA acquires French packaging specialist SMP*
Swiss packaging company SAPAL SA has announced the acquisition of SMP* to strengthen its position in the processed cheese segment. [ + ]
Avocados Australia partners on education initiatives in Malaysia
With strong demand for Australian avocados in Malaysia, the industry has signed two agreements to deepen its collaboration with the country that extends beyond trade. [ + ]
Save Food Initiative strengthens global alliance with UNIDO and WPO
The global alliance will help to strengthen the Save Food Initiative's role in reducing food loss and waste right along the processing value chain. [ + ]
Nutrient content claims on alcohol, Australian research
Two Australian studies reveal how nutrition claims on alcohol and zero-alcohol products are impacting consumers, with researchers highlighting regulatory grey zones. [ + ]
ABARES predicts Australia's produce will exceed $100bn in 2026–27
The multibillion-dollar farm gate value together with record exports are forecast for Australia's agricultural production this financial year in ABARE's latest report released today (3 March). [ + ]
Clariant achieves EU approval for renewable additives in food-contact plastics
The specialty chemical company said it achieved EU Commission approval based on the EFSA opinion of its renewable rice bran wax additives. [ + ]
Opal Packaging Plus partners with Phantm to develop packaging compliance solution
Opal Packaging Plus has partnered with Phantm to build a data asset to help future-proof packaging compliance and reporting as regulations continue to evolve. [ + ]
Public consultation about restricting infant formula marketing in Australia
A consultation survey has opened about the government developing mandatory controls to restrict the marketing of infant formula in Australia. [ + ]
AFGC reviews progress on food and grocery manufacturing targets
In its latest food and grocery manufacturing sector report, AFGC reflects on the sector's strong foundational success and the uphill climb needed to achieve its 2030 growth goals. [ + ]
SPC Global to close facility under demand-led manufacturing strategy
SPC Global plans to close its Mill Park facility in Victoria by August 2026 and relocate production of its juice brands as it moves to a demand-led operating model. [ + ]
Record-breaking $3.5bn year for Aussie fresh produce exports
2024/25 saw rising exports of fresh produce into China and $1.3bn worth of almond exports, making it Australia's strongest year on Hort Innovation's record. [ + ]
WorkSafe helps take the strain out of manual handling tasks
In food manufacturing, certain repetitive tasks can lead to injuries if the risks aren't managed — WorkSafe Vic workshops are designed to help. [ + ]
