AGP Executive Report

Medical Nutrition Deal: Xenitra (ASX:XEN) expands into specialised medical nutrition with a 3-year A$5m FSMP framework purchase agreement, building on its Fukang acquisition and adding another healthcare pipeline link. PFAS Court Fight: The Commonwealth alleges 3M hid health risks from PFAS in firefighting foam used by the ADF, with a major Federal Court case spotlighting long-running contamination concerns. Food Safety Alert: Woolworths and Tip Top investigate after a Brisbane shopper reports a child found glass in a bread loaf, triggering urgent consumer checks. GLP-1 Nutrition Push: Nestlé is using AI to develop products for people on GLP-1 weight-loss drugs, aiming to address side effects like muscle loss and “Ozempic face.” Packaging Innovation: Cobram Estate launches a propellant-free EVOO spray made from fresh, cold-pressed oil. Retail Value Pressure: An industry op-ed argues Australia’s “value shopper” shift is permanent, reshaping foodservice and convenience pricing expectations.

GLP-1 Pivot: Nestlé says GLP-1 weight-loss drugs are creating a new market for products aimed at side effects like muscle loss and “Ozempic face”, using AI and nutrition science to develop tailored nutrition. Retail Privacy: Coles and Woolworths have tested facial recognition in stores to tackle retail crime, sparking a security-versus-privacy backlash from consumer advocates. Dairy Deal Rumours Denied: Synlait rejects reports it’s in takeover talks with A2 Milk and Fonterra, despite ongoing recovery efforts. Water & Food Security: Zaytuna Farm argues roof-caught rainwater can be cleaner than groundwater when systems are properly managed, as Australia weighs water resilience. Work Pay Rules: New minimum pay and safety standards for gig delivery workers took effect, covering food and grocery app-based “employee-like” roles. Cold Storage Pressure: Reports flag a cold storage crunch hitting food supply. Industry Watch: Australia’s minimum pay order for gig delivery riders lands as platforms like Uber Eats and DoorDash adjust to new floors.

Gig Economy Pay & Safety: Australia’s Fair Work Commission minimum standards for on-demand delivery workers took effect today, setting hourly floors of $31.30–$32 (depending on vehicle) and requiring accident insurance for riders handling food, alcohol and groceries, with platforms topping up pay if earnings fall short. Supermarket Pricing Pressure: The Greens are pushing a supermarket price plan and a bill to ban “price gouging,” with enforcement framed around excessive pricing and penalties. GLP-1 Food Strategy: Nestlé says it’s using AI and nutrition science to develop products for people on weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, aiming to address side effects such as muscle loss and “Ozempic face.” Food Insecurity Reality Check: Foodbank Australia says many Australians are resorting to expired goods as grocery costs bite, highlighting a food waste irony. Hospitality & Local Food: Bright Brewery launched Bright Taphouses to expand its Victoria hospitality footprint under an “independent beer, quality food” banner. Cider Awards Open: Entries are now open for the 2026 Australian Cider Awards, with judging across 31 classes. National Potato Day: Spudbar will give away 1,000 free loaded spuds for National Potato Day on 19 August.

Marine Heatwaves & Food Security: A new report warns marine heatwaves are set to intensify as oceans stay abnormally hot, with knock-on impacts for coral, seagrass and fish stocks that underpin coastal food systems. Trade & Supply Chains: Colombia has asked the US to temporarily suspend high tariffs after a deadly earthquake, with the US offering $US26.5m in aid including food and health supplies—an issue that could ripple into regional product flows. Dairy Innovation: Hebrew University researchers say they’ve found a way to make real dairy proteins from plants by engineering seeds to produce ß-casein, a potential step toward lower-emissions dairy ingredients. Retail & Convenience Tech: Metcash is rolling out agentic AI search and personalisation across its B2B e-commerce to help independent retailers find products faster and lift conversions. Food Safety & Labelling: A push is underway to shake up “best before” and “use-by” dates, aiming to improve clarity for shoppers and reduce waste. Sustainability & Farming Inputs: Research on nitrogen mitigation in pasture-based dairy shows restricted-duration grazing can cut nitrogen leaching and ammonia losses—relevant for cleaner, more resilient farm operations. Industry Watch (Alcohol): Au Vodka is reportedly in advanced talks for a major acquisition, highlighting ongoing investment and consolidation in premium drinks markets with reach into Australia.

GLP-1 Ripple in Supplements: Kirin’s Australian health chief says the boom in weight-loss drugs is lifting demand for vitamins, supplements and nutrition products aimed at side effects like digestion and poor nutrition. Biosecurity & Food Prices: Australia’s H5 bird flu response ramps up as officials warn they can’t stop spread; any poultry farm hit could trigger culls and push up food prices. Circular Farming Boost: NSW backs Blantyre Farms with $1m for an on-farm feed mill to turn food by-products into concentrated livestock feed, cutting reliance on grain. Food Waste Push: AAP reports households bin up to $1,500 of edible food a year, with OzHarvest backing date-labelling reform to help shoppers waste less. Gig Worker Pay in Food Delivery: From Monday, Uber Eats/DoorDash delivery workers get minimum safety-net pay and accident insurance under a TWU deal, covering the food delivery sector. Food Trend Watch: Sardines are surging in Australia via social media “sardinemaxxing”, with tinned fish framed as a cheap, healthy pantry option. Community Food & Culture: Canberra’s Spanish Australian Club market day keeps drawing crowds with churros, Spanish deli goods and paella.

Food Safety Watch: South Africa’s West Coast sardine mass deaths are under investigation after pilchard herpesvirus (PHV) was detected in dead fish and at lower levels in some apparently healthy sardines, with authorities also checking whether harmful algae, low oxygen or other ocean conditions helped trigger or worsen the event. Trade & Exports: APEDA and Tripura’s organic farming agencies hosted an international organic buyer-seller meet in Agartala, bringing about 200 participants and international buyers (including from Australia and New Zealand) to connect Tripura growers with export demand for products like pineapple, ginger, turmeric, sesame and rice. Climate & Food Risk: NOAA says there’s a 95% chance of a very strong El Niño by late 2026, raising concerns for rainfall, farming output and food supplies across Latin America. Native Food Spotlight: The second Australian Native Food Festival returns to Carriageworks (Sept 27–28), with 30 market stalls and Indigenous-led tastings of ingredients like lemon myrtle, wattleseed and finger lime. Sustainability in Beverages: A “carbon-negative” coffee roasting process is being trialled using used coffee grounds turned into biochar, aiming to lock carbon in soil while keeping the supply chain local.

Meat Processing Push: Bangladesh plans modern meat processing centres in every district to lift safe processing, preservation and future export capacity, with 13 already inaugurated and more rolling out in phases. Rural Food Security: A fifth heatwave is driving crop failures and feed shortages, forcing farmers to burn through reserves early and raising pressure on livestock supply. Remote Community Cookbook: School of the Air’s 70th anniversary is marked with a fundraising recipe cookbook celebrating how bush families stay connected through shared food. Food Service Work Migration: Thirteen workers are set to leave Lae for Australia under a labour mobility program for NSW casino food service roles. Home Water & Plumbing: Melbourne Water urges simple household checks to prevent leaks and waste, including a “meter test” to catch hidden plumbing faults. Sausage Innovation: Queensland’s “Sausage King” competition spotlights creative flavours and gourmet upgrades for independent butchers. Alcohol & Risk: Reports highlight risky drinking patterns in Australian women, with perimenopause linked to worsening effects. Recycling Reality Check: Cleanaway survey finds many Australians “wish-cycle” wrong items, risking contamination of recycling loads. Food Culture & Craft: Chef’s Table Festival panels and global lunch menus spotlight women shaping food and cross-cultural seafood flavour parallels.

Food retail value: Coles is selling a 420g tin of Coles Simply Chick Peas for 95 cents, positioning chickpeas as an affordable fibre-and-protein option for older Australians and citing research linking chickpeas with improved cholesterol. Hospitality tech: Wales’ Principality Stadium is trialling Amazon “checkout-free” stores (“Now in a Minute”) to cut food and drink queues, with pies, confectionery, soft drinks and alcohol on the menu. Hotel + conservation: Novotel has expanded its WWF-Australia partnership in Australian waters, backing whale migration research and advocacy for “Blue Corridors” to protect key marine pathways. Wine under pressure: Scientists warn drought could push Pinot Noir toward a tipping point, risking major changes to grape chemistry and quality in classic wine regions. Packaging materials: A new report forecasts global water-soluble films growth to $798.8m by 2031, driven by tightening single-use plastic rules including in Australia. Food safety: Victoria is investigating haemolytic uraemic syndrome after two children developed kidney failure following a rare severe infection linked to a Melbourne petting zoo.

Packaging & Exports: China’s latiao “spicy strips” are booming globally, with exports now reaching 160+ countries and brands pushing via e-commerce and TikTok—an eye-opener for snack makers watching demand shift. PNG Trade Capacity: Australia Awards is backing Papua New Guinea agriculture professionals with a University of Queensland course to strengthen logistics, supply chains and export pathways. Food Industry Finance: Treasury Wine Estates’ earnings slide 36.1% as it rebalances its US supply chain; Penfolds demand is holding up better than the group overall. Packaging Industry Signals: Orora’s cans growth is helping offset glass market pressure, a reminder that format shifts keep reshaping Australian FMCG supply chains. Food Safety & Biosecurity: Tasmania confirms a second H5 bird flu case in crested terns; authorities urge the public not to touch sick or dead birds and to report sightings. Hospitality & Dining: Sydney’s Bennelong gets a new executive head chef, with the menu framed around Australian produce and continuity of the iconic Opera House kitchen. Charity & Farming: Travla will donate 100% of Friday beer sales to Farm Angels as part of Flanno for a Farmer, with pub “flanno nights” planned nationwide.

Water Rules for Data Centres: New federal proposals would bar Australian data centres from using large volumes of drinking water for server cooling, pushing recycled water first and requiring them to fund new public water infrastructure. Food & Beverage Trade Diplomacy: Bangladesh is seeking Australia’s support to join RCEP for preferential market access, and has proposed free trade talks with both Australia and New Zealand to boost agriculture and food processing links. Aquaculture Research: An Australian researcher has built a detailed genetic trait map for barramundi, aiming to help farmers make smarter broodstock breeding decisions while conserving diversity. Food Safety/Compliance Watch: The ACCC is backing an investigation into alleged food fraud and mislabelling, with regulators moving to scrutinise claims and labelling practices. Retail & Consumer Health: Reese Consumer Health has acquired Australian Dream, a topical pain relief brand, signalling further push into OTC pain categories across retail and online channels. Industry Labour Pressure: Arla warns skills shortages in food and farming are threatening “food resilience,” citing persistent difficulty recruiting appropriately skilled workers.

Food recall: Food Standards Australia and New Zealand issued a recall for Edesia Enterprises’ Noosa Gourmet Brioche Rolls (320g) after undeclared milk and egg traces were found; allergy sufferers are urged to avoid the affected batch (best before 5 Aug 2026) and return for a refund. Wine market shake-up: Treasury Wine Estates (Penfolds owner) posted a $1.08b loss for the year to 30 June and said it expects zero growth for the rest of 2026, citing weak US performance and writedowns, while also moving to clamp down on China grey-market flows. Packaging sector: Amcor reported strong FY results after the Berry acquisition, highlighting expanded global packaging reach across food, health and wellness. Beverage packaging demand: Orora’s cans business drove growth, with aluminium preference lifting volumes, especially in non-alcohol drinks and energy categories. Agri-food trade: The ACCC launched/backs scrutiny into food labelling claims after a Four Corners investigation, adding pressure on how products are marketed. Charity + beer: Travla will donate 100% of beer sales on 14 Aug to Farm Angels as part of Flanno for a Farmer, with partner pub fundraising nationwide. Regulatory + gig work: Australia’s industrial umpire approved new minimum hourly pay and injury insurance standards for food and grocery delivery workers (A$31.30/hr).

Gig worker pay rules: Australia’s Fair Work Commission has set a minimum hourly rate of $31.30 for on-demand delivery drivers (food, beverages and supermarket groceries), starting next week, with pay calculated for “engaged time” and platforms required to provide accident cover. Regulatory spotlight on supplements: The Australian Association of National Advertisers has issued a notice to TikTok over an influencer post promoting OxyShred without clear ad disclosure, after a panel ruled it was advertising. Trade mark showdown: Australia’s Federal Court has dismissed India’s bid to secure exclusive rights to the “Basmati” name, backing Pakistan’s position that the term is a geographical indication and ordering APEDA to pay costs. Honey labelling debate: Australian Wildflower says it will keep its Jarrah honey TA35+ label despite a lab reading of 53.8, arguing only accredited bodies can certify measurements and that higher numbers can’t be treated as guaranteed quality claims. Wine export pressure: Reports flag Australian wine exports to the UK at their lowest levels since 2000, adding to a tough global demand backdrop. Food price risk from conflict: Russia claims Ukrainian strikes on grain infrastructure are pushing up global food prices and worsening shortages.

Gig Worker Pay Rules: Australia’s industrial umpire has set “world-leading” minimum standards for on-demand food, beverage and grocery delivery riders, with a minimum hourly rate of $31.30 (from 17 August) plus injury insurance requirements—expected to cover about 250,000 workers. Hospitality & Food Retail: Gourmet Dairy Co. is pushing into mainstream retail via Drakes, launching three new 200g cheese sauce varieties after viral social demand. Beer & Moderation: Cascade has launched Cascade Draught 3.5%, a Tasmania-only mid-strength option aimed at the growing no/low/mid-strength beer market. Foodservice Jobs & Supply Chain: SunRice confirms job losses in NSW’s Riverina, blaming drought and water policy settings for scaling back operations at Leeton and Deniliquin. New Openings: Applejack Hospitality has unveiled Winnie’s at the Sydney Opera House, adding an all-day waterfront food and bar venue with house-made pastries. Packaging for F&B: EVERSUN continues expanding retail and luxury packaging capabilities, pitching die-cut and display solutions for brands across Australia and beyond.

Energy Drinks & Fast Food: McDonald’s is adding Red Bull to its menu in Australia, rolling out Red Bull Dragonberry Energizer and Red Bull Zero, with the Dragonberry option listed at 80mg caffeine. Wine & Grapes: Treasury Wine Estates says it will accelerate cutbacks on North Coast grapes and inventory under its Ascent plan, including fallowing vineyards, with a large post-tax charge flagged for FY2026. Food Supply Resilience: Experts say global food systems are better prepared for this year’s “super” El Niño thanks to near-record stocks and improved crop tech, though drought and fertiliser/diesel risks remain. Food Safety & Trade: An EU study warns pesticide import curbs could lift consumer prices and destabilise supply chains, adding to trade tensions involving countries including Australia. Fair Work & Delivery Work: Australia’s Fair Work Commission has approved a minimum hourly rate for app-based food and grocery delivery drivers, effective from August 17, with insurance and coverage rules but no employee status. Public Health & Oceans: New research links marine heatwaves to wider human health impacts, including seafood safety and mental health pressures in coastal communities. Bird Flu Supply Chain: Bird flu-driven feather shortages are pushing up shuttlecock prices for Australian badminton clubs and players, with some costs more than doubling.

Food policy & trade: Australia and Vietnam signed an Agriculture and Sustainable Development MoU covering ag policy, sustainable fisheries/forestry, biosecurity, food safety and trade—plus progress on reinstating market access for Australian kangaroo and deer meat. Public health & food safety: Western Australia launched a public H5 bird flu dashboard mapping detections and test results, as experts warn about risks from bird feeders and contaminated environments. Newborn nutrition: ABC reports vitamin K injection uptake is slipping in Australia, with Queensland falling from 98.3% (2016) to 95.5% (2025), raising concern for vitamin K deficiency bleeding. Wellness & consumer trends: A sound spa experience at Nāda Candlelight Sound Spa highlights the shift toward immersive, sensory “feeling more” wellness. Industry business: Yeo’s H1 profit rose 12% amid cost pressures, with food & beverage revenue up 9% across multiple markets including Australia. Alt protein watch: Commentary argues China’s fermentation-led alt protein sector could shape global competition, making “avoiding China” a potential disadvantage.

Packaging & Waste Cuts: Viva Energy and Nestlé have completed an Australian trial turning soft-plastics-derived pyrolysis oil into ISCC-certified recycled polypropylene for 7 million KitKat wrappers, with a limited run now rolling into stores. Food Retail Deals: Whole Foods in the US is using Too Good To Go to sell discounted “surprise” surplus bakery and other grocery bags via an app, typically at about a third of normal value. Plant-Based Perception Study: Adelaide University research finds meat-eaters in Australia still see plant-based meat as riskier and lower value, with tailored marketing unlikely to shift core attitudes. Trade & Ingredients: Indonesia is pushing artisan food and drink exports (cocoa, tea, coffee, horticulture, dairy and fermented products) as global demand for premium, origin-led, sustainable products grows. Protein Investment: JBS has partnered with Indonesia’s Danantara sovereign fund, including a $2.5bn equity stake in JBS ANZ, aiming to scale protein growth across the region. Rice Value Chain: Vietnam and Australia are looking to expand investment in a sustainable rice value chain in the Mekong Delta, including processing, storage and traceability. Specialty Citrus Story: Shanley Farms’ finger limes—marketed as “citrus caviar”—are gaining traction with foodservice after years of buyer skepticism. Regulation Watch: The ACCC is set to investigate food labelling claims after a Four Corners probe, adding pressure on how products are described to shoppers.