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Auspack 2017 drew the highest number of visitors ever to the Sydney Showground at well over 6000, according to organisers.

Anne-Marie Mina, marketing manager with Exhibition and Trade Fairs (ETF), the organiser of Auspack, said this year's show featured a number of Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality elements.

"The customer service robot, Amy, also created interactive and engaging visitor experiences, making for a memorable show,” she said.

APPMA chairman Mark Dingley said the PIDA awards and Processing Day, held as part of Packaging & Processing Week, were strong inclusions.

“Processing Day gave attendees the opportunity to hear about the latest advanced technologies and developments in the meat processing industry," Dingley said. 

"Feedback showed attendees found the information valuable, as they also did with the popular National Technical Forums."

New technology on show included Digital Ink Technologies' solution, which helps growers, wholesalers and supermarkets identify fruit-pick dates and hence fruit freshness.

Recopak showcased a fully automatic case-over-product packer; and FP Propak demonstrated a new filler that extends shelf life.

And Le Mac Group showed one of its newest products: optional gift-wrap sleeving for wine bottles.

Food & Drink Business

Suntory has appointed Ashish Gandham as managing director for Suntory Global Spirits – Oceania, following the launch of the company’s $3 billion multi-beverage business in July 2025.

The federal government has established a new Trade Diversification Network, consisting of 40 peak industry bodies, as part of its $50 million Accessing New Markets Initiative. The member groups will work with government to support global diversification for exporters.

Leading contract manufacturer, Hitex Confectionery, has appointed Darren Butler as its new CEO, aiming to propel a new stage of expansion following two years of transformation.