In this episode, Food & Drink Business editor Kim Berry is joined by Food Futurist, Tony Hunter, to discuss some of the latest food tech developments around the world and their potential impacts on food and beverage R&D. Kim and Tony catch up on the same day Australian cultivated meat company, Vow, revealed it has created an entire new animal made purely to eat and received approval in Singapore. We move swiftly into mouse neurons and cyborg computer chips being used for smell, to cultivation techniques used to create meat being used to do so with plants such as cocao and coffee trees ..read more

In this episode, Food & Drink Business editor Kim Berry is joined by Murray Cod Australia CEO, Ross Anderson, and Luke Piccolo, the co-owner and head chef of Limone restaurant in Griffith, New South Wales. The discussion is about Aquna Sustainable Murray Cod, a world leader in sustainable aquaculture. Ross gives us an overview of how Murray Cod farming was pioneered by Matt Ryan in Australia, which resulted in a successful, highly scalable farming process with low labour costs that delivers high quality produce. Luke shares his experience working with Aquna, the initial challenge of changi ..read more

In this episode, Food & Drink Business editor Kim Berry, talks to Unilever Australia & New Zealand general counsel, company secretary, and head of B Corp, David Dwyer, about how and why the ANZ business set out to become a B Corp. We start by unpacking what the rigorous certification process involves and the five categories that are assessed to become a B Corp: Environment, Workers, Community, Customers and Governance. The discussion gives us insight into the two-year journey Unilever ANZ went through to achieve the certification, the challenges it encountered in gathering data, and th ..read more

In this episode, Food & Drink Business editor Kim Berry talks to Cormac Henry from Mintel about their recently released global Food & Drink trends for 2024. We explore the four primary trends of consumers prioritising healthy ageing, processes they can trust, inexpensive environmental sustainability, and opportunities for convenience. We assess the health focused consumer behaviours of ageing generations, stigmas surrounding highly processed foods such as plant-based alternatives, and the increased utilisation of technology and quick meals to provide convenience. We wrap up by explorin ..read more

In this episode, Food & Drink Business editor Kim Berry talks to plant protein food manufacturer Harvest B’s co-founders Kristi Riordan and Alfred Lo about their aim to provide locally sourced plant-based meat and alternative proteins to Australian food manufacturers. We discuss the cost, taste, and textures of plant based proteins, with a focus on consumer habits, current market costs, and the processes that the proteins undergo. Kristi gives us a breakdown of how Harvest B developed its shelf stable products, the challenges its faced, and the current trends in the Australian market. We a ..read more

In this episode, Food & Drink Business editor Kim Berry talks to Fever Tree MD ANZ, Andy Gaunt, about the company and how it disrupted the little thought about market of mixer drinks. The discussion explores the history behind Fever Tree and its impending 20-year anniversary, and its focus on developing tonic waters – and other mixers – that are the best support act for gin and other spirits. We also get insights into how their tonics are produced, the logistics behind their global distribution network, and some exciting news about its presence in Australia. We wrap up by discussing the sc ..read more

In this episode, Food & Drink Business editor Kim Berry talks to the founders of ‘attention strategy agency’ Stanley House Studios, David Wasserman and George Redmond. The pair share their experience and insights working with food and beverage companies and brands to grow consumer awareness and market share. We discuss the chicken/egg dilemma regarding the timing of launching a campaign for a young brand and where to allocate funds and resources. David and George recount brand activations and ongoing content creation, looking at how the industry is constantly changing and the need to be ag ..read more

In this episode, Food & Drink Business editor Kim Berry is joined by Bronwyn Cheng, Head of World Foods ANZ at General Mills, to talk about its iconic Old El Paso range. We get an insight into Bronwyn’s journey to her current position in food and marketing, as well as Old El Paso’s market leadership in Australia. The discussion explores the popularity of its products, how Cheng and her team keep a heritage brand fresh and retain its consumer appeal and loyalty. We wrap up quizzing Bronwyn on how to eat a taco without making a mess, and take a snapshot of some of General Mills other brands ..read more

In this episode, Food & Drink Business editor Kim Berry talks to Coco & Lucas founder and CEO Diem Fuggersberger and managing director David Vu. In a wide-ranging conversation, Diem and David share the experience from start-up to leading national ready meal business. Diem and David recount the experience of getting started in 2016, the challenges Covid presented for the growing business, and the company's mission in developing plant-based and allergen free meals. LINKS: Coco & Lucas https://cocoandlucas.com.au/about/ Food & Drink latest news https://www.foodanddrinkbusiness.com ..read more

In this episode, Food & Drink Business editor Kim Berry is joined by the co-founders of functional beverage Ārepa, Angus Brown and Zachary Robinson, to talk about the science and steps needed to make a beverage truly beneficial. We discuss the rapid growth of the market with a focus on nutritional drinks that aim to improve brain health, as well as boosts in energy and immunity. We get an insight into the development of Arepa, and the possible benefits it can provide to those with ADHD, dementia, and other neurological conditions, all whilst being natural and caffeine free. We also explore ..read more