AGP Executive Report

Labelling and Competition: Calls for meat-origin labels have followed a disputed fast-food pork claim, while the ACCC has accused major egg producers of cartel conduct that may have pushed up prices. Production and Supply: Coca-Cola Europacific Partners is increasing can capacity at Kewdale, and three Victorian food manufacturers are backing a $21.6 million factory expansion. Farm Risks: A locust threat is putting Riverland growers’ strong season at risk, while a separate supermarket study found pesticide residues on produce, including strawberries at up to 10 times the legal limit. Dairy and Waste: Sale has rescued landmark Western Australian dairy brands from collapse; meanwhile, a report warns businesses are sending billions of dollars in potential profit to landfill through food waste. Hospitality: NSW’s new-restaurant finalists point to fresh energy in the dining scene, even as rising insolvencies add pressure across hospitality.

Egg Price Probe: The ACCC has launched Federal Court action against Sunny Queen and 11 other egg suppliers, alleging they shared production plans, coordinated culls and agreed on pricing from 2020. Food Business Pressures: About one in eight Australian cafes and restaurants exit the market each year, while food and accommodation businesses make up nearly one in six Victorian insolvency reports; rising wages, rent and supplier bills are squeezing margins. Supermarket Cyber Risk: A French cyberattack that raised temperatures in supermarket fridges and spoiled food has prompted warnings that Australian retailers could be exposed through insecure remote systems and third-party suppliers. Food Relief: OzHarvest says 3.5 million Australian households struggle to put food on the table as business leaders prepare to cook and raise funds for its meal programs. Industry Investment: Three Victorian food manufacturers are backing a $21.6 million factory expansion, a boost to local production capacity.

Manufacturing Investment: Three Victorian food makers — That’s Amore Cheese, Mr Pitta and Picnic Foods — are investing A$21.6 million in expanded production, cold storage and automation, with almost 50 jobs expected. Ingredient Supply: Aker BioMarine warns omega-3 demand could outstrip crude fish oil supply as early as 2027, urging brands to diversify amid climate-related disruption to fisheries and growing competition from aquaculture. Wine Business: The Oatley family has acquired Rosemount, Ingoldby and Secret Stone from Treasury Wine Estates, while industry coverage points to fresh opportunities for fortified wines. Nutrition: Meat & Livestock Australia has launched a national campaign after data showed one in three young Australian women have low iron.

Wine Deals: The Oatley family has bought the Rosemount, Ingoldby and Secret Stone brands from Treasury Wine Estates. Fortified wines are also being tipped as a fresh growth opportunity, while Wolf Blass AM was named South Australia’s “Legend of the Vine”. Beef Outlook: Speakers at a Cloncurry forum expect strong overseas demand and tighter global supplies to support Australian beef returns over the next two to three years, with US cattle shortages a key factor. Farm Pressures: A locust plague threatens Riverland growers’ promising season, prompting South Australian farmers to seek help. Drought also hit Peoplein’s food and agriculture division. Industry Strains: Landmark WA dairy brands have been rescued from collapse, and Tribe Breweries has saved Black Hops from administration. Separately, six in 10 Australian food and beverage manufacturers say productivity is declining despite technology investment. Nutrition: Meat & Livestock Australia has launched a campaign after data showed one in three young Australian women has low iron.

Livestock Exports: Sabah received 780 beef cattle from Darwin, alongside dairy cattle and goats sourced from Melbourne, as it expands integrated farming with Australian stock. Dairy: Western Star marks 100 years, with its Cobden factory supporting about 300 direct jobs and a brand now owned by Lactalis. Export Growth: Ballarat manufacturer Ferndale Foods is taking JILA mints into South Korea, with distribution set to reach about 27,500 stores in 2027. Food Safety: Nissin Salt and Sesame Oil Aburasoba noodles were recalled over an undeclared allergen; separate supermarket produce testing also raised concerns about banned pesticide residues. Hospitality: Sydney operators are opening new Korean and Thai dining concepts in Macquarie Park, while Victoria’s Good Food Guide awards spotlighted a strong crop of new hatted restaurants.

Food Safety: Nissin Salt and Sesame Oil Aburasoba noodles have been recalled in Victoria over undeclared milk. The warning covers packs with a 8 December 2026 best-before date. Farmers: A locust outbreak threatens the Riverland’s best season in decades, with South Australian farmers seeking help. Separate supermarket testing reportedly found illegal pesticides on produce, including strawberries with levels ten times the permitted limit. Food Relief: The federal government has pledged $4.7 million for emergency support, including $2 million for OzHarvest, Foodbank, SecondBite and Good360. Beer Prices: A pint now averages $13.76 nationally, up from $9.96 in 2020, with Melbourne among the costliest cities. Agrifood Investment: Fiji has launched a $147 million portfolio for coconut, cocoa, pineapple and breadfruit projects, introduced to Australian and Pacific partners in Canberra.

Crop Threat: Riverland locust swarms could damage crops and grazing land just as South Australian farmers anticipate their best season in decades; growers are calling for stronger government support. Food Safety: Supermarket tests found illegal pesticide residues on Australian produce, including strawberries at 10 times the legal limit, raising concerns across Coles, Woolworths and Aldi. Grocery Prices: A proposal for publicly owned supermarkets has revived debate over food affordability and competition as households face rising costs. Dairy: A sale has rescued landmark Western Australian dairy brands from collapse, while pressure on regional producers remains a concern. Dining Spotlight: South Australia is set to become the first part of Australia covered by the Michelin Guide, bringing fresh attention to the state’s restaurants and food scene.

Food Safety: Independent testing of 78 supermarket fruit and vegetable samples found 12 with banned pesticides or residues above permitted limits, including strawberries reportedly nearing 10 times the legal limit. The findings are renewing calls for tighter oversight. Dairy Pressure: Illawarra dairy faces a “hidden crisis” as producers contend with mounting challenges, while a buyer has rescued landmark Western Australian dairy brands from collapse. Wine Innovation: Vinarchy is pushing consumer-led growth, with new products aimed at recruiting drinkers to the category. Sustainable Packaging: Monash University has opened a research centre focused on developing more sustainable packaging.

Dairy: Illawarra dairy faces a “hidden crisis” as local producers struggle, while a buyer has rescued landmark Western Australian dairy brands from collapse. Wine: Vinarchy is stepping up consumer research, new products and experiential marketing to attract more wine drinkers, particularly in travel retail. Food Safety: A workout drink has been recalled over an illegal amphetamine-like ingredient. Brewing: Tribe Breweries has stepped in to save Queensland craft brewer Black Hops from administration. Local Supply: PepsiCo has pledged $150 million a year for Australian produce, as a separate industry survey finds six in ten food and beverage manufacturers report falling productivity despite technology investment.

Dairy: A late rescue deal will keep WA’s Mundella and Margaret River Dairy Company brands on shelves. Artisanal Market has bought the brands and processing assets, with plans to make yoghurt at Metricup and explore Asian exports. Hospitality: Yo-Chi has grown to 80 Australian stores, adding 20 in the past year as its young fan base keeps lining up. Guzman y Gomez also reported stronger recent sales. Brewing: Tribe Breweries has stepped in to save Black Hops from administration. Food Supply: Woolworths has completed its acquisition of food producer in2food. Air Liquide is also planning a new Yennora facility to supply oxygen and nitrogen to industries including food processing from 2028.

Grocery Supply: Woolworths has completed its acquisition of in2food. Industry Productivity: Six in 10 Australian food and beverage manufacturers say productivity is declining despite technology investment. Food Safety: A supermarket test reportedly found banned pesticides on produce from Coles, Woolworths and Aldi, putting fresh-produce oversight in focus. Costs & Climate: El Niño is expected to push up coffee and other food prices, adding pressure to household budgets and supply chains. Local Sourcing: PepsiCo has pledged $150 million a year for Australian produce. Brand Partnerships: Nestlé’s NBA deal includes Australia, with MILO promotions and youth basketball programs planned from 2027; DoorDash will deliver food from Australian Open vendors to fans’ seats.

Manufacturing Productivity: Nearly six in 10 Australian food and beverage manufacturers say productivity is declining despite technology investment. A survey found 82% of workers spend more than a quarter of their week on repetitive or manual tasks. Brand Moves: Nestlé’s Milo, Nescau and Nesquik will join an NBA partnership across Australia and 20 other markets from January 2027. Wild Turkey has refreshed its 39-product Australian ready-to-drink range, while Pirate Life has launched a nitro stout in widget cans. New Food Offers: Marley Spoon is expanding beyond meal kits into breakfasts, ready meals, snacks and drinks; demand for its GLP-1 Support recipes has nearly tripled since May. Woolworths has also unveiled its 2026 Christmas range, including a $100 festive feast aimed at budget-conscious shoppers. Supply and Costs: El Niño could push up coffee and other food prices, while stronger winter crop forecasts offer a brighter outlook for Australian grain volumes.**

Food Safety: Independent testing of 78 supermarket fruit and vegetable samples found 12 with pesticide residues that were banned or above legal limits. The findings have renewed scrutiny of chemical regulation and prompted a Senate inquiry into paraquat. Beer Market: Japan’s competition watchdog raided Asahi, Kirin, Sapporo and Suntory over suspected price coordination. The brewers’ brands also have a strong presence in Australia. Farm Costs: Diesel prices are climbing as farmers enter a period of heavy fuel demand, while Woolworths’ freight fuel levy has almost tripled. El Niño also threatens to push up prices for coffee and other foods. Pork Sourcing: Guzman y Gomez faces backlash over Danish pork on its menu, putting sourcing transparency and support for Australian producers back in focus. Food Resilience: Funding has been secured for the Riverina rice industry and local jobs, while a new food resilience lab at Tuggerah adds to efforts to strengthen supply security.

Food safety & residues: Pesticide Action Australia’s Residue Report 2026 found traces of pesticides on fruit and vegetables from Coles, Woolworths and Aldi, including PFAS “forever chemicals” in about 44% of samples, renewing calls for tougher testing and regulation. Packaging push: Monash-led ARC Training Centre SMaRT-Pack was launched to develop more sustainable, fibre-based packaging and the standards needed to scale it across everyday food and takeaway products. Health policy pressure: Private Healthcare Australia says proposed private health insurance rebate cuts could hit up to 1.5 million age pensioners, after a Senate committee recommended the Bill proceed. Supermarket competition debate: The Greens’ plan for 624 public supermarkets is being challenged as unrealistic, reigniting the fight over grocery market power. Supply chain costs: Woolworths’ fuel levy surcharge for freight to suppliers has nearly tripled since the pre-Iran war period, adding pressure for food and grocery pricing. Industry spotlight: SAWIA named its 2026/27 executive committee, with Kirsty Balnaves continuing as president as the wine sector tackles grower and business challenges.

Salmon Antibiotics Under Scrutiny: Tassal says it will individually inject diseased fish with oxytetracycline in Tasmanian waters, after earlier florfenicol use was later retracted by the regulator over residue risk—another flashpoint for Australia’s salmon industry and marine health. Food & Hospitality Tech: EatClub is expanding into Auckland and Wellington with deals at 250 venues, aiming to help diners find value while giving restaurants incremental customers. Packaging Innovation: Simplot appoints Erik Brandenburg as President of Simplot Global Food, while Glen Industries flags H1 FY27 growth and capacity expansion for eco-conscious food packaging (including PLA and paper straws). Hospitality Trade & Operations: QCI celebrates progress at G2E 2026 with QCI Resorts, pitching unified hospitality, food & beverage, marketing and loyalty operations. Health & Safety for GLP-1 Users: ANZCA warns patients who don’t disclose GLP-1 or unapproved peptides before surgery could face serious anaesthetic risks, including aspiration. Local Food Culture: Competitive eater James Webb heads to Shepparton for an eating challenge at Pizza Place and Acai Place.

Supermarket shake-up: The Greens are backing a $25.1b plan to put hundreds of Coles and Woolworths stores into public ownership via a new “Fair Go Grocers” chain, aiming for up to 30% cheaper essentials and a 22% cut to average shop bills. Dairy & labels: Parmigiano Reggiano’s consortium is launching a three-year marketing push in Australia to drive shoppers toward the Parmigiano Reggiano PDO label after the EU-Australia free trade deal. Food security & jobs: The National Farmers’ Federation warns an emergency Working Holiday Maker process won’t fix long-term regional workforce shortages, arguing it affects farms, pubs, cafés, tourism and supply chains. Regional fuel resilience: The Livestock, Bulk and Rural Carriers Association wants Australia’s Fuel Security Reserve to include verified regional diesel storage so fuel can actually reach rural and remote operators during disruptions. Non-alcoholic drinks: Barnes & Brown Distilling highlights the rise of “more considered” zero-alcohol spirits as Australia’s summer drinking culture shifts. Hospitality openings: Hobart’s Atlas & Vine spotlights local producers in a Noma-inspired menu approach, while Melbourne’s Helios Hotel brings a large, multi-level contemporary Greek dining concept to Malvern. Packaging investment: Pope Packaging has invested $50m to expand its Adelaide paper sack manufacturing, boosting capacity and adding high-speed multi-colour printing.