• 50 years of fine effort from Michael Mobbs.
    50 years of fine effort from Michael Mobbs.
  • Allan Kenny is congratulated by Michael Grima on achieving AIP Life Membership status.
    Allan Kenny is congratulated by Michael Grima on achieving AIP Life Membership status.
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The AIP has been growing from strength to strength in the 53 years since its inception. This is in no small part due to the efforts of individual members who continue to make a significant contribution to the packaging industry, and form the rank and file of this healthy association.

An industry association is only as strong as the sum of its parts – its members. The AIP recognises the importance of acknowledging individuals who have shown consistent loyalty and commitment to the institute while also continuing to make a commendable contribution to the packaging industry.

Thus, on gala night of the biennial AIP National Conference, three deserving individuals were honoured for their efforts over a sum total of 149 years. Awards were presented by AIP National President Michael Grima.

Two members each received 50 Year awards: Ken Alexander FAIP [absent on the night] and Michael Mobbs MAIP.

In addition, Allan Kenny FAIP received a Life Membership award. This award recognises someone who has consistently contributed to not only the packaging industry but also to the AIP as a volunteer. Kenny has been a member for 49 years and is still volunteering, lending a hand once again at this year’s conference.

IMAGE: Allan Kenny Life membership
Image: Michael Mobbs 50 years

Food & Drink Business

Sydney-based craft rum producer, Sydney Distilling Co Pty Ltd, trading as Brix Distillers, has entered voluntary administration, with Ben Carson and Richard Stone from RSM Australia Partners appointed as Joint and Several Voluntary Administrators on 21 January 2026.

Pure Wine Co has been appointed as the exclusive national mainland distributor for Tasmanian winery, Pipers Brook Vineyard. Effective from 1 March, Pure Wine Co will manage national mainland distribution and trade sales for Pipers Brook and its Kreglinger Sparkling, Pipers Tasmania and Ninth Island labels.

The fourth round of the federal government’s Traceability Grants Program is now open for applications, with funding from $50,000 to $500,000 available for projects modernising and enhancing agricultural traceability systems.