• Mark August 11 for the Food & Drink Business Live: Industry of the Future Forum 2014.
    Mark August 11 for the Food & Drink Business Live: Industry of the Future Forum 2014.
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The Industry of the Future Forum is a Food & Drink Business initiative. It is being held because future-proofing the food and drink industry is an essential. And future-proofing is only possible by understanding what is likely to lie ahead, why and how to manage it. The forum will bring together market leaders, independent experts and key stakeholders from across Australia’s food and beverage processing sector, to share their strategies for business success and key learnings.

It's no secret that the retail landscape is shifting more rapidly now than in any previous decade. Shelf space is in hot demand, private label is on the rise and innovation is do or die. Food and beverage companies must adapt to new business rules to stay listed and grow sales profitably.

The presenters and panelists will analyse the challenges and opportunities currently facing local processors, and propose real world solutions to help companies embrace change and thrive.

The event will include presentations from successful manufacturers, who will describe how they are rising to the challenge and building their businesses.

Speakers include David Beak, managing director of one of the largest suppliers of fresh ready meals and soups to Woolworths nationally, Beak & Johnston, and Richard Glenn, general manager of Nudie, the fastest growing premium juice brand and the largest Australian-owned juice company.

Other key topics include The Food and Beverage Facility of Tomorrow, which will highlight new features that offer maximum flexibility, as consumers, and in turn retailers, seek out quality, variety and speedy responses to shifting demand.

Former food industry executive and Oliver Wight Asia Pacific partner, Stuart Harman, will also discuss the five key pitfalls of private label contracts and how to avoid them.

Stay tuned, as more speakers will be announced soon.

Food & Drink Business

A lot of food and beverage brands look strong when they’re small. They have one product, one pack, one clear idea and then they grow. That’s usually when things start to unravel, not all at once, but quickly enough to matter. The Creative Method founder and creative director, Tony Ibbotson, explains why – and growth is not the problem. 

Victorian-based Aquafab has completed a $620,000 Series A raise through Birchal, supported by over 300 investors. The company told Food & Drink Business that the funds will support continued national growth and plans in place to enter the US and UK markets this year.

Rumin8 is accelerating its methane reducing feed additive commercialisation progress in New Zealand, garnering $4.4 million (US$3 million) in investment as the company prepares to enter the final trial process.