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New Zealand brewer Cassel Brewing Company employed glass packaging for its award-winning beer as a key part of its recovery after the Christchurch earthquake in 2011.

Bayard Sinnema, APAC strategic marketing director for O-I Glass, said O-I collaborated with Cassels to make the video before the impact of Covid-19 was felt in Australia.

“We felt it was still important to share it because Cassels’ messages about business recovery and success following adversity are highly relevant right now,” Sinnema said.

“Awareness of the benefits of using infinitely recyclable glass is continuing to grow. The use of glass packaging was a key part of Cassels’ recovery. During our work with them they were delighted to find that amber bottles contain up to 75 per cent recycled glass as that strongly aligned with their aims for selling a product that represented their contribution as environmental custodians within their community.”

Food & Drink Business

The former deputy chief of staff to the federal communications minister, Amanda Watson, has been appointed CEO of the Brewers Association of Australia (BAA).  Watson starts in the role on 14 July and replaces John Preston, who had been in the role for five years.

The Victorian government has invested $160,000 to support the sustainability and profitability of the state’s wine industry, matched by $240,000 from Wine Australia. The funds will help Wine Victoria to provide the wine industry with the knowledge, tools and resources needed to improve practices and outcomes.

Australian spirits producers had an outstanding showing at the 2025 International Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC) in London, with top scoring producers including 30 Knots Spirits, Australian Distilling Co., Ester Distilling, Mt. Uncle Distillery, Nine Circles Distillery, and Turner Stillhouse.