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Twenty-twenty was an eventful year to say the least. As the tumultuous year comes to a close, the world is still reeling from the deadly Covid-19 pandemic, which has impacted every aspect of life and business.

But there was more to this year than disease and strife. Big deals were done, innovations launched, and progress towards sustainability was made.

To read the roundup of the most important stories of the year, published in PKN's Nov-Dec 2020 issue, click here.

Food & Drink Business

Australian food processors are facing a growing commercial squeeze as major retail and foodservice customers want stronger environmental credentials from suppliers, while continuing to push hard on price. New modelling from the Australian Meat Processor Corporation (AMPC) shows Australia’s red meat processing sector could achieve net zero emissions by 2045 without sacrificing profitability.

Australian investment firm, Tundra Capital, has led a $2.4 million Series A raise for deep-tech company, N&E Innovations. The Singaporean company turns discarded food waste into an edible antimicrobial that can help fresh produce last up to four times longer.

Circana retail scan data shows sales of bottles of shiraz under $10, fell 8.3 per cent over the past year, but sales above $35 grew 6.9 per cent. According to the data, shiraz accounts for two in every five dollars spent on bottled red wine in Australia, which covers the year to 4 October 2026.