FTAA Newsletter Oct / Nov / Dec 2026 |
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FTAA
Newsletter – Empowering Australia's Food Industry: Insights, Regulations, and Trends Welcome to the Q4 2026 edition. Mid-year delivered strong industry momentum with the
successful Foodpro 2026 and AIFST26 Convention (26–29 / 27–28
July, MCEC Melbourne) attracting 10,468 unique visitors and 519
exhibitors. One in five attendees returned across multiple days,
highlighting strong demand for processing, packaging, ingredients, digital
manufacturing and sustainability solutions.
Looking ahead, FTAA has announced five new networking events
- scroll below for details. Here’s the
latest for members as of October 2026. |
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1. Regulatory Updates (FSANZ & Related Key recent activity: - Amendment
No. 252 (gazetted 1 September 2026):
– Exclusion of Northern Territory-farmed Blacklip Rock oysters from the
cadmium maximum level in molluscs.
– Multiple human milk oligosaccharides (2′-FL, 3-FL, LNT, 3′-SL, 6′-SL and
an additional 2′-FL source) permitted as nutritive substances in infant
formula products.
Link: Amendment No. 252 - Notification
Circular 409-26 (17 August 2026) – Board approvals notified to Food
Ministers:
– Chitosan from white button mushrooms as a processing aid for alcoholic
beverages.
– Triacylglycerol lipase for dairy and plant-based dairy analogues.
– Dextransucrase for sucrose reduction and texture improvement.
Link: Circular 409-26 - Additional
Circulars of note:
– Notification Circular 411-26 (8 September 2026): New application
accepted – A1361 Phospholipase A1 from Fusarium commune as a
processing aid.
– Notification Circular 412-26 (15 September 2026).
– Current public consultation open until 27 October 2026: A1326 –
Addition of phytosterols, phytostanols and their esters as a novel food to
bread.
– New guidance published on updated definitions for genetically modified
food and novel DNA.
Stay Updated: Subscribe to FSANZ alerts for ongoing regulatory news. FSANZ Subscriptions, FSANZ News & Circulars |
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2.
Industry & Market News - Cocoa
& chocolate cost pressures remain elevated. High cocoa prices
continue to influence consumption patterns, with chocolate increasingly
positioned as an occasional treat. Manufacturers are responding with
reformulation, portion control, and specialty/cocoa-alternative solutions.
Barry Callebaut is accelerating focus on gourmet chocolate, specialty
ingredients and cocoa-reduction technologies.
- Confectionery
innovation active: Chupa Chups has entered Australia’s $831 million
lollies category (which grew 12.5% in value over the past year) with new
texture-driven ranges. High-protein and functional chocolate formats
continue to expand.
- Specialty
ingredients & flavour systems: Ongoing demand for natural umami
solutions, clean-label enhancers and functional ingredients supporting
reformulation under cost and consumer pressure.
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3. Key Trends (Late 2026 Focus)
- Value-led and deal-driven foodservice occasions remain significant.
- Functional health, protein fortification and convenience formats are gaining share.
- Confectionery is emphasising texture, multi-sensory experiences, smaller formats and purposeful premiumisation.
- Global/fusion flavours, matcha and authentic storytelling (including native ingredients) continue to influence product development.
- Practical sustainability, AI-enabled efficiency and transparent sourcing remain operational priorities.
Ongoing Resource Links (bookmark for regular updates):
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5. Discover the Value of Being an FTAA Member!
Our Mission: FTAA empowers food technology professionals, students and corporate partners through connections, education and recognition. At FTAA, we’re passionate about bringing the food technology community together to connect, learn, and celebrate success. Whether you’re a student, an experienced professional or a corporate partner, FTAA offers valuable opportunities to build relationships, share knowledge and strengthen your place in the industry.
Here’s what you can enjoy as an FTAA member:
- Connect & Network – Build meaningful industry relationships through Sports Days, Challenge Room socials and roundtable discussions.
- Learn & Grow – Stay up to date with the latest industry trends through Hot Topics webinars, workshops and our resource library.
- Celebrate & Be Recognised – Showcase your achievements, share your expertise and gain recognition through member spotlights, and presentation opportunities.
- Build Your Career & Business – Increase your professional visibility and discover opportunities to grow your career or business.
- Membership That Fits You – Choose from membership options designed to suit your journey, including Associate, SME and Corporate membership.
Be part of a community that supports your growth and celebrates the future of food technology. Make the most of your FTAA membership and get involved in the opportunities available to you! Visit our website today and view our membership options. |
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