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Disruptive technologies are helping leading manufacturers to boost productivity, attract and engage new consumers, inspire new market strategies and drive substantial business growth. Here's our pick of disruptive technologies to watch:

Drones: Deutsche Post, the world's biggest courier company, is using a drone to deliver medication to a remote German island. It’s been such a success the company is considering using the “parcelcopter” to make more regular deliveries.

‘Mobile-geddon’: mobile devices are making waves in the business world: think service delivery, worker productivity and customer experience.

Distributed manufacturing: is where the final product is manufactured near the final customer, so the raw materials, assembly and product fabrication are decentralised, potentially increasing customisation.

Advanced robotics: including human-machine collaboration.

Emergent Artificial Intelligence: is where machines can learn automatically by taking on large volumes of information; it has huge implications for productivity.

Self-driving vehicles: that could potentially move or distribute goods.

Internet of Things: has massive potential for business process optimisation, reduced downtime and waste, and increased quality overall.

Find out more about these disruptive technologies by reading the full story here.

Food & Drink Business

Ferrero has gained more ground in the US through its acquisition of WK Kellogg for $4.7 billion (US$3.1b). Since 2018, Ferrer has acquired Nestle's US chocolate business for $4.25 billion, Kellogg's cookies and fruit snacks unit for $2 billion, and ice cream company Wells Enterprises.

The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) says it won’t oppose Lactalis’ proposed acquisition of Fonterra’s consumer and food service businesses, if the bid goes ahead. While it would see two of the largest buyers of raw milk combine, the ACCC says it is “unlikely” to result in a lessening of competition.

Winners of the 2025 Melbourne Royal Australian International Spirits Awards have been announced, recognising distilling excellence across Australia and the world. Prohibition Liquor took out the title of Champion Australian Distiller, as well as the Champion Australian Gin trophy.