The latest news, trends, analysis, interviews and podcasts from the global food and beverage industry

The International Food & Drink Expo (IFE) 2025, which took place from 17-19 March at ExCeL London, set the stage for some of the most exciting innovations and dynamic start-ups in the global food and beverage sector.

While there were many great companies showcasing their innovations, one region stood out with its central spot in the IFE hall – Australia. Fans flocked around the section as MasterChef John Torode created a buzz about locality and heritage in Australia's food sector, but many stayed to sample the delights on offer from some of the country's most exciting start-ups.

From ethically sourced coffee to plant-based dairy alternatives, these entrepreneurs are not just capitalising on trends but are creating the future of food and drink with a unique Australian twist. We take a look a some of the standout brands driving the industry forward.

Fable Food

Fable is dedicated to making food healthier and more sustainable by reimagining mushrooms. Founded by chef Jim Fuller, chemical engineer and mycologist Chris McLoghlin, and vegan entrepreneur Michael Fox, Fable aims to cultivate a more sustainable food system.

Fable elevates the dense fibres and umami flavours of shiitake mushrooms to create succulent culinary proteins. Their Pulled Mushroom products are designed for chefs and foodies seeking all-natural, nutritious ingredients that excel in taste, texture and culinary versatility.

Made from pantry-friendly ingredients, Fable’s products are minimally processed and free from GMOs, preservatives and artificial additives. Fable isn’t just a mushroom ingredient – it’s a culinary innovation that redefines cooking with mushroom-based proteins, focusing on creativity and sustainability.

Daily Shake

Daily Shake offers an inclusive, all-vegan and gluten-free range that caters to diverse dietary needs, ensuring everyone can enjoy beauty-from-within solutions. It is packed with premium ingredients and essential nutrients. What is more, the branding is simple, clean and sophisticated.

Designed for busy professionals, fitness enthusiasts and wellness seekers, each flavour fits seamlessly into any routine. Whether it's to enhance your glow, support fitness goals or enjoy a nutritious treat, Daily Shake offers a variety of fun and engaging flavours, including Strawberry Cheesecake, Matcha, Dulce de Leche, Coconut Pudding, Mango Lassi, Whipped Coffee and Peanut Butter.

Combining science-backed nutrition with luxurious taste, Daily Shake ensures you never have to choose between indulgence and health. With a growing variety of flavours and innovative solutions, it’s revolutionising wellness – making it simple, accessible and tailored for modern lifestyles.

Zest Element

Zest Element is an Australian food innovation company dedicated to tackling food waste by transforming imperfect, nutrient-rich fruits into premium dried fruit powders, citrus salts and dehydrated slices. The team actively sources produce from farms, cafes, restaurants and other food establishments, rescuing fruits that would otherwise go to waste.

The company sources produce that would otherwise go to waste, offering sustainable and versatile ingredients for smoothies, baking, seasoning and cocktail garnishes. With a production capacity of 600kg per week, Zest Element has rescued over four tonnes of fruit, contributing to a circular economy and reducing landfill waste.

As they scale, the company plans to implement solar-powered dehydration systems to further reduce their environmental impact. Expanding into international markets like the UK, Japan and India, Zest Element aims to inspire a global movement toward mindful consumption and sustainable practices in food manufacturing.

The Udder Way

The Udder Way provides a scalable, practical solution to plastic waste in dairy supply chains by offering high-quality, reusable 18L LDPE containers. These containers help eliminate single-use plastic, improving operational efficiency for businesses committed to sustainability.

Certified by HACCP International and BSI, the food-safe containers streamline workflows, reduce waste disposal costs and meet the highest food safety standards. The Udder Way's system also enables businesses to track and report sustainability impact via its app, ensuring transparency and accountability.

By reducing plastic bottle handling and refill frequency, the system supports sustainability goals while enhancing brand reputation as an environmental leader. This solution positions businesses in the food and beverage industry as forward-thinking, responsible companies, demonstrating a commitment to reducing plastic waste and strengthening overall sustainability strategies.

Dhuwa Coffee

At the heart of Australia's growing coffee scene is Dhuwa Coffee, an Indigenous-owned brand that’s redefining how coffee can unite cultures and communities. The name Dhuwa translates to 'to feel alive' and "good start" in the Bidjara language, encapsulating the brand’s mission to promote both exceptional coffee and social impact.

Founded to provide economic opportunities for Indigenous Australians, Dhuwa’s ethically sourced, expertly roasted blends have already secured a place on the shelves of Woolworths, making it the first Indigenous-owned coffee brand with national reach.

Dhuwa is all about community. The brand partners with First Nations communities to craft a product that supports cultural awareness, mentorship and reconciliation. Through every sip, Dhuwa continues to empower, fostering deeper connections and celebrating Australia’s Indigenous pride.

Latitude 32

Latitude 32, located in the renowned Hunter Valley, presents a unique approach to winemaking that blends traditional craftsmanship with innovative techniques.

Founded by Emma and David White, the brand redefines the wine experience, focusing on creativity and natural expression in every bottle. The name, drawn from the geographical parallels with some of the world’s most prestigious wineries, reflects a commitment to both quality and innovation.

Latitude 32’s focus on premium wines, derived from heritage vineyards, offers a fresh perspective that resonates with today’s discerning consumers. The brand's philosophy of challenging the status quo and setting new trends positions them as a forward-thinking brand.

Cocabella

Cocobella’s journey began with a mission to find the purest coconut water, sourced from sustainable plantations in Indonesia and Thailand. The coconut water is hand-harvested and bottled at the point of origin, ensuring it remains 100% natural and chemical-free for ultimate freshness.

Minor taste variations from different sources reflect the true purity of the product. Now one of Australia’s favourite coconut water brands, Cocobella offers a range of dairy-free products, including both straight and flavoured coconut water, as well as coconut yogurts in tubs and convenient pouches.

This commitment to quality and sustainability makes Cocobella a valuable partner for manufacturers seeking premium, natural ingredients for their offerings.

Naked Life

In a world where the demand for non-alcoholic beverages is soaring, Naked Life is setting the bar high with its botanically distilled, low-sugar non-alcoholic cocktails. Whether it’s a Gin & Tonic, Mojito, Margarita or Passionfruit Martini, Naked Life’s range offers a sophisticated, no-compromise experience for those looking to celebrate without the alcohol.

The brand’s commitment to premium ingredients and meticulous crafting of each cocktail ensures that every drink is full of flavour, making it the go-to choice for anyone looking to enjoy a socially inclusive and indulgent drink without the alcohol content. As the number one non-alcoholic cocktail brand in Australia, Naked Life is carving a path toward a new era of celebration.

Wood Fired Coffee

Nestled in the Northern Beaches of Sydney, Wood Fired Coffee offers a product as unique as the Australian landscape it originates from.

Using reclaimed wood like ironbark and mahogany, the beans are slow-roasted in a custom wood-fired roaster, imparting a deep, full-bodied flavour with significantly lower acidity. This method preserves the natural oils and lipids in the coffee beans, resulting in a rich, well-balanced cup.

What started as a local cult favourite has grown into a national staple, with Wood Fired Coffee now expanding into international markets. The brand’s commitment to quality, sustainability and an unmistakable Australian flavour makes it an exciting player in the coffee world.

MastChew

Australian Food and Pharmaceutical Industries (AFPI) is leading a revolution in oral care with MastChew, a biodegradable, sugar-free chewing gum made from mastic gum.

This product is not just about chewing gum but about creating a more sustainable future. With conventional gum often containing synthetic, plastic-based ingredients, MastChew offers an eco-friendly alternative that promotes oral health while reducing environmental impact.

As global consumers become more eco-conscious, MastChew is positioned to meet a growing demand for natural, sustainable products that don’t compromise on performance. AFPI’s commitment to clean, natural ingredients makes MastChew a game-changer in the chewing gum industry.

Honey for Life

For centuries, honey has been cherished for its healing properties, and Honey for Life is taking this ancient tradition to new heights with its range of medicinal honeys.

Sourced from pristine forests in Western Australia, Honey for Life specialises in highly bioactive honeys, including Australian Manuka and unique varieties like the Super Jarrah. These honeys are raw, unprocessed and packed with natural enzymes, vitamins and minerals that contribute to overall health and wellbeing.

The brand’s scientific approach ensures that every batch is analysed for purity and bioactivity, making it one of the most trusted names in medicinal honey. As consumers increasingly seek out natural health solutions, Honey for Life stands out as a premium choice that delivers both health benefits and a taste of Australian nature.

Honourary mention: Austral Fisheries

Not a start-up, but commercial fishing company Austral Fisheries has been providing high-quality, sustainably wild-caught seafood for over 50 years. Operating a fleet of 18 vessels, the company sources products ranging from toothfish in the south to prawns and tropical reef fish in the north.

Austral is deeply committed to ocean stewardship, ensuring its Commonwealth-managed fisheries are certified sustainable by the Marine Stewardship Council. In 2016, Austral became the first seafood business worldwide to achieve carbon neutrality, offsetting emissions by planting over 220,000 trees annually in the Yarra Yarra Biodiversity Corridor, north of Perth.

The company’s premium brands, such as Glacier 51 Toothfish, Skull Island Tiger Prawns and Karumba Banana Prawns, highlight their dedication to quality and sustainability. Through a partnership with OpenSC since 2019, Austral offers customers full traceability of its products, ensuring transparency in the seafood supply chain.