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Being aware of developments in other industries as they’re happening can help you anticipate new solutions to improve efficiencies and add value in your business. Aside from the Internet of Things (IoT), information-driven manufacturing (iDM), social robots and Internet 5.0, here are three trends manufacturers need to watch:

1. Rapid prototyping + crowdfunding: Together, these two trends allow almost anyone to bring solutions to market quicker than many organisations can develop counter measures. It is the very definition of “disruptive innovation”.

2. Cradle-to-grave traceability: Every recall hitting the headlines reminds manufacturers of the critical need for end-to-end traceability to mitigate the risks to consumers and businesses. Intensifying this need are the proliferating counterfeit markets, worth US$32 billion and causing one million deaths annually. Traceability can counteract this.

3. Beyond the IoT: Blockchain is an emerging technology beginning to play a major part in IoT, especially with its potential to overcome many manufacturers’ concerns around data security. Another IoT evolution is machine learning, which falls under the wider artificial-intelligence umbrella. While adding natural language processing to machine learning gives a whole new opportunity: cognitive learning systems.

Find out more about these trends by reading the full story here and watching this video:

 

Food & Drink Business

The IWSC has awarded Edenvale Wines the Low & No Wine Producer Trophy for the second year running, and named three Australian companies in its Top 50 producers – including The Whisky Club, Four Pillars, and The Gospel Distillery.

Following the launch of Suntory Oceania’s multi-beverage business in July 2025, the Japanese drinks giant has brought its ambition to life at RITUALS, an immersive experience celebrating the power of everyday drinking moments and sharing strategic insights from its international and local experts.

A coalition of health, agriculture and sustainability organisations has launched a national campaign urging the newly formed National Food Council to put people, communities and the environment at the centre of Australia’s emerging food security strategy.