• Kate Everitt (left) and Raphael Geminder, Pact Group.
    Kate Everitt (left) and Raphael Geminder, Pact Group.
Close×

A “healthy” aerosol has topped the list at Pact Group’s seventh annual Applause Awards, which recognise innovation and excellence within the company.

Kate Everitt, head of innovation at Pact, topped the night with her “Healthy Air” concept.

“Kate’s developed a range of aerosols and other inhalant formats filled with nutraceutical actives that quickly and effectively improve and enrich the air that we breathe to increase health and wellness,” says Pact. “The aerosols provide the health benefits of your every day tablet in an easy and simple format.”

Runners up included an RFID stocktake system; a dissolvable food grade poly vinyl alcohol (PVOH) crate liner; and an aerosol disinfectant bomb. Winners received cash prizes on the night, with more to come once their ideas are implemented or commercialised.

“Our annual Applause Awards celebrate innovative thinking, operational excellence, superior safety systems, progressive sustainability initiatives, and employees and sites that have accomplished significant milestones and achievements during 2018,” the company says.

“This year the program received 364 ideas from 63 different operating sites within the Group. Via our online platform, Applause Central, ideas were shared more than 279 times, voted for more than 1,500 times, and received more 200 comments of encouragement.”

Food & Drink Business

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.

The recent innovation forum hosted by the Australian Marketing Institute and research company, T Garage, examined the reality for the rapidly evolving landscape of consumer goods that innovation is now table stakes. Experts from three of Australia's Top 100 food and drink companies shared their experiences and confirmed innovation is not just a corporate strategy, but a mindset permeating personal and professional life.