As the confectionery industry navigates rapid change – from shifting consumer expectations to sustainability pressures and evolving regulation – its enduring appeal of creating moments of joy, indulgence and connection remains unchanged. Australian Industry Group’s Wendy Larter reports from the 30th anniversary of the Australian confectionery industry’s flagship annual event ConTech2026.
Three weeks after its official opening, the $17.14 million Central Coast Food Manufacturing Innovation Hub at Ourimbah is preparing to welcome its first tenants. Food & Drink Business toured the facility to see the production spaces, pilot plant, and training programs designed to grow the region’s $2 billion food and beverage manufacturing sector.
Reploid Group is expanding into Oceania, with the launch of a new sales company in New Zealand. Reploid builds modular plants that use insect larvae to repurpose food waste, having the potential to fill the gap left by Goterra’s collapse into voluntary administration earlier this year.
