FTAA Newsletter April / May 2026 |
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Newsletter April / May 2026 |
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Welcome to the Quarter 2 edition of the FTAA newsletter. In this issue, we look ahead to FTAA’s next Hot Topics
seminar, The Science Behind Food & Confectionery: Ingredients to
Innovation, taking place in Melbourne on 4 June, and reflect on two recent
member events — the sweeteners Hot Topics session and the VIC Sports/Golf Day —
both of which brought members together for valuable discussion, connection and
industry engagement.
We also share a mid-year snapshot of key industry, market and
foodservice trends shaping 2026, including AI and automation, convenience,
value-added produce, native and local ingredients, protein innovation,
wellness, sustainability and smarter sourcing. This edition also includes the
latest regulatory updates from FSANZ and a forward look at upcoming food
industry events across 2026, including AIFST26 and FoodPro. |
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Register today for our next upcoming Hot Topics seminar on Confectionery in Melbourne on the 4th June. |
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HOT TOPICS EVENT - EXPLORING SWEETENERS Great to see such a strong turnout at our recent Food Technology hot topic session on sweeteners - with over 55 people in attendance. It was an incredibly valuable few hours filled with insightful discussion, knowledge sharing, and brilliant collaboration across the industry. From evolving consumer preferences to innovation in alternative sweetening solutions, the conversations were both timely and thought-provoking. A huge thank you to everyone who attended and especially our wonderful presenters John Ferrier and Melise Songur - the level of engagement and openness made it a truly worthwhile session.
Keep an eye out for our next Hot Topic session coming in early June - we’re looking forward to bringing everyone together again! |
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VIC SPORTS DAY A huge thank you to everyone who who registered and participated in our VIC Sports/Golf day. It was truly a wonderful day filled with teamwork and plenty of smiles. Whether you were competing on the golf course or playing the 3 sports, your energy made the day unforgettable.
Check out the gallery below to relive the best moments of the day.
Lastly, a special thank you to the partners who sponsored the event. Events like these wouldn't be possible without your support and enthusiasm. We already can’t wait for next years event! |
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Industry & Market News
- Foodservice Recovery & Convenience: Eating-out demand exceeds pre-COVID levels; ready-to-eat meals projected to grow significantly (e.g., $2.8B to $4.9B over next decade) amid convenience priorities. Link: Eating Out Trends Australia 2026
- Produce & Supply Focus: Value-added prep rises with stable local supply; cost pressures push "preparation value" and smarter sourcing.
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Key Trends Shaping 2026 (Mid-Year Focus) Resilience and practicality lead Australian
foodservice/manufacturing:
- Protein Reimagined &
Smarter Menus:
Versatile/value proteins (seafood surge), AI/data waste cuts, margin
protection via simplified menus. Red meat: snack-forward, luxury cuts,
global-inspired. Link:
PFD Foods Foodservice Trends 2026
- Sustainability &
Tech:
Practical waste/local sourcing, AI automation, Industry 4.0
efficiency—prioritizing resilience over high-cost claims.
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Regulatory Updates (FSANZ & Related) Call for Submissions on the assessment of the following applications via the FSANZ Consultation Hub by 11:59pm 2 June 2026.
General
procedure
- A1338 - Triacylglycerol lipase from Komagataella phaffii
(gene donor: Yarrowia
lipolytica) for use as a processing aid
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A1345 - Dextransucrase from Bacillus subtilis (gene donor: Streptococcus salivarius)
for use as a processing aid
- Amendment No. 248 (gazetted 26 February
2026, FSC 188): Approved three new processing aids—Phospholipase C from
Bacillus licheniformis (A1292), Phosphoinositide PLC from Bacillus
licheniformis (A1293), and Aminopeptidase from Trichoderma reesei (A1328).
These enhance dairy, baking, and protein processing
yields/formulations—key for manufacturers seeking optimization. Link:
FSANZ Amendment No. 248Link:
Notification Circular 382-26
- P1065 Code Revision –
2025 Amendments
(approved February 2026, notified to Food Ministers 18 February): Restored
omitted compositional fat requirements for Special Medical Purpose
Products for infants (from P1028), with 5-year transitional arrangements
(comply with old or new provisions). Also corrected errors,
inconsistencies, formatting, and references. Link:
FSANZ Board Communique – 4 February 2026
- Ongoing Work Plan &
Consultations:
MRL variations for agvet chemicals (Codex alignment) submissions closed 5
March 2026. Progress on young child formula reviews, novel foods/nutritive
substances clarification, and other applications (potential mid-2026
gazettals). PEAL (Plain English Allergen Labelling) full compliance
deadline passed 25 February 2026—confirm allergen management and labelling
updates. Link:
FSANZ Work Plan February 2026
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UPCOMING FOOD INDUSTRY EVENTS
- Food
and Grocery Australia (FGA) 2026: The premier summit for FMCG
senior leaders.
- The
Hive Awards 2026: Celebrating innovation in Australian F&B
manufacturing.
- ARBS
2026: Essential for refrigeration and climate control
professionals in food processing.
- Foodpro
2026 (Exhibition):
- Dates: July
26–29, 2026
- Details: A
triennial trade event for food processing, packaging, and innovation.
- Link: https://foodproexpo.com/
- AIFST26
(Annual Convention):
- Dates: July
27–28, 2026 (held concurrently with foodpro)
- Details: Focused
on food science, technology, and industry-wide collaboration.
- Link: AIFST
2026 event page
- Fine
Food Australia 2026:
- Date: August
31 – September 3, 2026
- Location: Melbourne
Convention & Exhibition Centre (MCEC)
- Link: Fine
Food Australia
- IUFoST
2026 World Food Congress:
- Theme:
Where Food Science meets the Future
- Date: 25–29
October 2026
- Location: Hong
Kong
- Link: IUFost
Website
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