Queensland manufacturing has a bright future, thanks to a $400m investment from Suntory, which is creating a multi-beverage partnership between its alcohol and non-alcohol businesses. From mid-2025, Suntory Oceania is set to become home to more than 40 well-known brands, such as V Energy, Jim Beam and -196, and the fourth-largest beverage player in the Oceania region, with more than $3 billion in retail sales. To facilitate this feat, Suntory is building a large state-of-the-art facility at Swanbank, near Ipswich, which will make ready to drink (RTD) and non-alcoholic beverages. It represents a huge vote of confidence in Australian manufacturing, marking the largest investment in fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) production in the last decade. “The facility will unlock more local capacity and capabilities including beverage processing, packaging, warehousing, and distribution. It will be able to produce 20 million cases of beverages each year at start-up, strengthening our ability to service the growing…

The $35.9 billion deal enhances the manufacturer’s strategic vision for the future of snacking. MCLEAN, Va., and CHICAGO — Mars Inc. and Kellanova have entered into a definitive agreement under which Mars will acquire Kellanova for $83.50 per share in cash, for a total consideration of $35.9 billion. The transaction, which marks one of the largest deals of 2024, will unite two iconic businesses with complementary footprints and portfolios of beloved brands, the companies stated. Kellanova is home to iconic snacking brands, including Pringles, Cheez-It, Pop-Tarts, Rice Krispies Treats, NutriGrain and RXBAR, as well as cherished food brands such as Kellogg’s (international), Eggo and MorningStar Farms. With roots dating back more than 100 years, Kellanova has a rich legacy of quality and innovation. Kellanova had 2023 net sales of more than $13 billion, with a presence in 180 markets and approximately 23,000 employees. “This is a truly historic combination with a compelling…

The Victorian Government has announced it is delivering tougher consequences for repeat and serious youth offenders. Changes include strengthening the bail test by ensuring that bail decision-makers must assess both the risk to community safety and the risk of further serious offending when deciding if bail is appropriate. Meaning if they believe a young person poses an unacceptable risk of committing a Schedule 1 or 2 offence while on bail, it is a clear reason to refuse that bail. Theo Foukkare, CEO of the Australian Association of Convenience Stores (AACS), welcomed the announcement. “We have seen time and time again that youth offenders have increased their level of aggression during aggravated burglary, putting front line retail workers in harm’s way when they are simply doing their job. “Victoria Police need to be commended for their efforts to arrest these offenders, but they are getting out on bail and offending in…

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) has announced an additional investment of $105.5 million for a new Warmfill Line at the Moorabbin plant in Victoria, Australia.  The investment will be the biggest single investment in the company’s Australian manufacturing network. Expected to be operational in the first quarter of 2026, the Warmfill Line will have the capacity to deliver up to 17.8-million-unit cases to the network annually. The installation of a Nitro-Warmfill Line is set to enable the production of the complete Powerade and Fuze Tea beverage range. The new system has the potential to deliver up to 640 bottles per minute and when operating at full capacity, it will increase the site’s overall capacity by an additional 23 per cent. The new bottle line is set to deliver high quality beverages with enhanced efficiency to customers across Victoria, Tasmania, and neighbouring South Australia. Managing director at Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Australia, Orlando Rodriguez, said…

The local boss of global confectionery and food giant Mars Wrigley says the manufacturer is facing the most challenging economic environment in decades, marked by unprecedented hikes in costs, from cocoa to energy, and other inflationary pressures now running through its business. Andrew Leakey, general manager of Mars Wrigley Australia, also confirmed statements made in a submission this year to the senate inquiry into the supermarkets that Australia is one of the highest-cost nations among Mars’ global network of factories as wages, energy and labour all eat away at profits. This has forced Mars Wrigley to absorb much of the cost increases, currently running at 10-12 per cent above last year, but he said the family-owned confectionery, gum, food and pet foods maker remained committed to manufacturing in Australia. “Australia is (a high cost to manufacture) and that’s because of our standard of living … manufacturing in this part of the world…