AGP Executive Report

Grocery Tech: A leading Australian grocer has rolled out app-based, shelf-level directions across more than 1,000 stores, helping shoppers find products without installing in-store hardware. Packaging and Cafés: Proposed plastic and reusable-cup rules are drawing hospitality complaints over added costs and logistics for businesses. Industry Investment: Visy is investing $30 million in its Smithfield factory, while Allied Pinnacle plans $10 million for Sydney operations; Pact Group and Aldi are also working to give plastic waste a new life. Wine and Produce: Treasury Wine Estates raised $50 million from brand sales and is cutting US capacity, as Australian avocado production is forecast to fall 40–50% from last season. Food Costs: Heat and supply disruptions are adding to global food inflation concerns, putting fresh pressure on household budgets and food businesses.

Packaging Shake-up: NSW’s Plastics 2.0 bill passed the Lower House, setting out a phase-out of handled single-use bags from 2027, produce stickers by 2030 and tethered bottle caps. Supermarkets and food businesses will need to adapt. Reusable Cup Dispute: Hospitality operators say proposed reusable-cup rules could bring extra costs and logistical headaches. Food Costs: Conflict and a powerful El Niño threaten global food supplies, putting renewed pressure on prices; Australia’s annual inflation eased to 3.7%, but relief may not last. Industry Investment: Visy will spend $30 million on its Smithfield factory, while Allied Pinnacle is investing $10 million in Sydney operations. Treasury Wine Estates has raised $50 million from brand sales and is cutting US capacity. Drinks: Coopers is expanding into ginger beer on tap ahead of summer, and winners have been announced at the 2026 Australian Cider Awards.

Brewing: Coopers is entering the ginger beer category with a new tap offering ahead of summer. Production Shift: Tasmania’s final Boag’s beers have rolled off the production line, ending the state’s brewing operation. Export Growth: South Australian wine exporters are finding new opportunities in Malaysia, where exports have risen 29.9%. Costs and Supply: Food inflation is drawing attention as cocoa and rice prices climb, while forecasters warn El Niño could disrupt crops into 2027. Manufacturing: Australian food makers have welcomed new gas-reservation legislation, citing its importance to local production. Restaurant Scene: The finalists for the Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide’s top awards have been named, with winners due on October 26.

New Drinks: Coopers has entered the alcoholic ginger beer market with a real-ginger brew, contract-made by Sydney Brewery for kegs as warmer weather approaches. Industry Shift: Boag’s final Tasmanian beers have rolled off the production line, marking the end of local brewing for the brand. Food Supply: Australia’s food manufacturers have welcomed a gas-reservation bill, as energy costs and supply concerns sharpen focus on the sector’s resilience. Market Watch: The future of Melbourne’s wholesale market is set to become an election issue, with the Coalition pledging to sell it if elected. Wine Trade: South Australian exporters are finding opportunities amid the US-Canada trade dispute. Hospitality: South Australia’s first Michelin Guide has brought international attention to local restaurants, with bookings surging after the awards. Food Retail: Twelve Australian egg suppliers have been accused of price-fixing and coordinating culls, allegations that could draw scrutiny to grocery costs and competition.

Food Manufacturing: Golden North has started making ice cream at its new Murray Bridge plant, bringing production closer to South Australia’s milk region and opening the door to future cheese production. Restaurant Trade: South Australia’s first Michelin Guide recognition is already drawing diners, with bookings surging after 11 restaurants won stars and 16 earned Bib Gourmands. Costs and Supply: Global food inflation is expected to accelerate as supply shocks mount, while Australia’s shrinking cattle herd is forecast to keep beef prices supported into 2027. Industry Investment: Allied Pinnacle is putting $10 million into its Sydney bakery plants, a boost for local food manufacturing capacity.

Food Security: Australia ranks fourth in a new protein-security index, but reliance on imported fuel, fertiliser and crop chemicals leaves supply chains exposed. Competition: The ACCC has launched action over an alleged egg cartel, with suppliers accused of fixing prices and coordinating culls. Fresh Produce: Western Australian avocado production is forecast to fall 40–50% from last season, while a new report flags pesticide residues and regulatory gaps in Australian produce. Manufacturing: Food makers have welcomed the government’s gas reservation legislation, as energy costs remain a key industry concern. Grocery Prices: Global supply disruptions are expected to push food inflation higher, while shrinkflation continues to make some supermarket staples smaller for the same or higher price.

Grocery Affordability: Analysts say new independent supermarkets are unlikely to meaningfully cut prices without the scale of Coles and Woolworths; one new entrant also requires a $99 annual membership. Food Safety: A new report flags pesticide residues and regulatory gaps in Australian produce, while an NSW food safety program has been linked to a 24% drop in salmonellosis. Consumer Picks: Weet-Bix has topped Canstar’s 2026 supermarket cereal survey, with shoppers giving the $4 Aussie staple five stars for satisfaction and packaging. Competition Watch: The ACCC has launched action over an alleged egg cartel. Supply Pressures: Global food inflation risks are rising as supply disruptions pile up, adding to concerns about household grocery bills. Australian food manufacturers have also welcomed gas reservation legislation, with energy supply an ongoing cost issue for the sector.

Nutrition: An Australian study of 6,537 teenagers linked an extra daily serve of fruit to lower risks of depression and anxiety symptoms; higher sugary-drink intake was linked to increased risk. Food Costs: The UN food agency warns shipping disruptions and El Niño could intensify global food inflation into 2027, adding pressure to Australian households already facing food and farm-labour cost concerns. Farm Supply: NSW farming groups warn Australia risks becoming a net food importer within a decade, citing water policy and food-production pressures. In the Murray region, rice planting is awaiting approval to access unused water. Competition: The ACCC has launched action over an alleged egg cartel, putting supplier conduct under scrutiny. Food Manufacturing: Orora marked 50 years at its Revesby canning plant after a $114 million expansion lifted capacity; ingredient distributor Hawkins Watts added ofi cocoa products to its Australian range, with local stock intended to help manufacturers manage supply volatility. Drinks: Melbourne brewer Moon Dog plans a 36-flavour ready-to-drink range for Australian bars and bottle shops from mid-November.

Food tax debate: The Grattan Institute has proposed raising the GST from 10% to 15% and applying it to all food, including groceries. It says the revenue could fund income-tax cuts and higher welfare payments, but the change would affect household food costs. Restaurant spotlight: South Australia’s first Michelin Guide has awarded stars to 11 restaurants, bringing fresh attention to the state’s dining scene. Food safety: An investigation has raised concerns about safety failures in Australia’s kangaroo bushmeat trade. Separately, Tweedvale Dairies reduced-fat milk was recalled in South Australia over E. coli contamination. Market scrutiny: Twelve egg suppliers are accused of price-fixing and coordinating plans; the allegations have yet to be tested. Manufacturing: Australian food manufacturers have welcomed proposed gas-reservation legislation, with the government’s bill focused on securing supply for industry.

Retail & Dining: Australian supermarket shoppers are facing higher bottled-water prices as supply-chain costs rise, while a Sydney food-truck favourite has opened a restaurant amid the city’s “Jollof Wars.” Food Safety: Tweedvale Dairies’ reduced-fat milk was recalled in South Australia over E. coli contamination concerns; NSW’s food-safety program, meanwhile, has been linked to a 24% drop in salmonellosis. Competition: The ACCC has launched legal action over an alleged egg cartel, accusing 12 suppliers of price-fixing, sharing plans and coordinating culls. Hospitality: South Australia’s first Michelin Guide has awarded stars to local restaurants, putting regional dining in the spotlight. Industry: Coca-Cola Europacific Partners’ $39.7 million Kewdale upgrade is set to lift canning output by 40%, while Australian hospitality businesses are estimated to lose $6.4 billion a year to food waste.

Restaurant openings: Sydney food-truck favourite Jollof Junction is opening a restaurant, bringing its cross-regional spice blend to the city and hoping to end the “Jollof Wars”. WA chef Eddie Bulatao’s new cookbook, Gather, celebrates native ingredients. Retail costs: Woolworths raised its 1.5-litre own-brand spring water from 80¢ to $1, citing higher supplier, freight, fuel and packaging costs. Egg market scrutiny: Twelve Australian egg suppliers are accused of price-fixing, sharing plans and coordinating culls. Dining recognition: South Australia’s first Michelin Guide has awarded stars to local restaurants, putting the state’s dining scene in the spotlight. Production and safety: Coca-Cola Europacific Partners completed a $39.7 million upgrade at its Kewdale canning site, while an NSW food safety programme has been linked to a 24% reduction in salmonellosis.

Restaurant Spotlight: South Australia’s first Michelin Guide selected 77 venues, including regional restaurants, with chefs hoping the recognition will draw visitors and support local hospitality. Farm Workforce: Queensland agriculture groups warn that tighter Working Holiday Maker access and slower visa processing could leave growers short of seasonal workers. Food Access: Food insecurity affects 46% of Northern Territory households, with some families struggling to afford groceries. Food Safety: A NSW programme has been linked to a 24% drop in salmonellosis, while an urgent E. coli milk recall has raised fresh concerns. Competition: The ACCC alleges major egg producers restricted supply and blocked rivals; the claims are yet to be tested. Sustainable Food: Designer Joost Bakker’s Melbourne urban farm home, built to produce its own food and power, is drawing renewed attention to greener city living.

Food Safety: NSW’s food safety programme has been linked to a 24% reduction in salmonellosis. Food Access: Food insecurity remains severe in the Northern Territory, where 46% of households are affected. Dining & Tourism: Australia’s first Michelin stars have gone to 11 restaurants, with the guide’s South Australian debut expected to boost the state’s tourism profile. Industry Costs: Australian food manufacturers have welcomed gas reservation legislation, while Coca-Cola Europacific Partners’ $40 million Kewdale upgrade is set to lift output by 40%. Exports: New Korean export arrangements offer a fresh market opportunity for Australian lemon growers. Wine & Cider: Treasury Wine Estates is pursuing a luxury strategy as it seeks to rebuild China momentum, and the 2026 Australian Cider Awards winners have been announced.

Food Insecurity: An estimated 46% of Northern Territory households faced food insecurity in 2025. In remote communities, a healthy food basket cost 40% more than at supermarkets. Retail Trends: Food catering and food retail led shopping-centre growth, up 7.5% and 6.9% respectively, as Australians keep spending but shift where they shop. Wine: Treasury Wine Estates held its earnings outlook, with Penfolds sales in China slightly ahead of plan and US demand improving. Manufacturing: Coca-Cola Europacific Partners’ $40 million Kewdale upgrade is set to lift output 40%; food manufacturers also welcomed new gas-reservation legislation. Food Safety: Tweedvale Dairies reduced-fat milk was recalled in South Australia over E. coli contamination concerns. Competition: The ACCC alleges major egg suppliers engaged in cartel conduct, a case that could reshape scrutiny of the sector. Dining: South Australia’s first Michelin Guide awarded stars to 11 restaurants, putting local hospitality in the international spotlight. Food Innovation: Cultivated duck producer Gourmey cleared a key Australia–New Zealand regulatory hurdle.

Restaurant Recognition: Australia has its first Michelin stars, with 11 restaurants recognised and South Australia’s Magill Estate earning two stars. Food Safety: Tweedvale reduced-fat milk has been recalled from South Australian IGA and independent stores over E. coli contamination. A separate investigation alleges serious food-safety failures in the kangaroo meat trade; the claims are based on government records obtained by an animal-welfare group. Manufacturing: Coca-Cola Europacific Partners’ $39.7 million Kewdale upgrade lifts canning output by 40%, while food manufacturers have welcomed new gas reservation legislation. Industry Costs: Australia’s hospitality sector loses an estimated $6.4 billion a year to food waste, averaging $66,000 per business. Novel Foods: Cultivated duck producer Gourmey has cleared a regulatory hurdle in Australia and New Zealand.

Manufacturing: Coca-Cola Europacific Partners has completed a $39.7 million upgrade at its Kewdale plant, lifting can output by more than 40% to 1,500 cans a minute. Food Safety: Milk sold through IGA and independent retailers in South Australia has been recalled over E. coli contamination concerns. Dining: South Australia’s first Michelin Guide named 77 restaurants, awarding Magill Estate two stars and 10 other venues one star. Fast Food: Guzman y Gomez has launched its first new filling in five years: an Australian beef rib developed over two years. Costs and Waste: Hospitality businesses waste 1.2 million tonnes of food a year, costing the sector $6.4 billion; one Sydney pub owner cut bin collections and saved about $5,000 annually by reusing spent grain. Regulation: The competition watchdog has launched legal action over an alleged egg cartel. A new study also found an 11-year-old saw 27 junk-food ads in an hour, renewing calls to curb marketing to children. Food Insecurity: More than three-quarters of JobSeeker recipients face poverty risk, with some Australians relying on food queues.