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19 May 2026
Western Australian
agrifood export eNews
The Western Australian (WA) Council of Grain Grower Organisations Limited (COGGO) established the ‘COGGO Research Fund’ to support innovative research and development (R&D) projects that benefit the states grains industry. Through its investment in R&D, the Fund plays a critical role in helping WA maintain its competitiveness and viability in the global grains industry.
The COGGO Board invites expressions of interest (EOI) for funding of up to $150,000 over a two-year period, commencing in early 2027.
Projects considered will address any part of the WA grain supply chain and must deliver clear benefits to WA grain growers. Funding is available between $20,000 and $75,000 per annum, for a project duration of one or two years, up to a maximum of $150,000.
EOI’s close at 5:00pm on Tuesday, 30 June 2026. Successful EOI’s will be invited to submit a full project proposal for projects scheduled to commence in 2027.
Source and image: GIWA
Updates developed in collaboration with International Freight Forwarders & Customs Brokers Association of Australia Limited (IFCBAA).
Europe
- European air carrier, Cargolux Airlines International S.A., has temporarily suspended acceptance of all Middle East bound freight , except for Muscat (MCT), until further notice.
- Qantas’ recent international network update will increase flight capacity between Australia and Europe. This has been enabled by reallocating some Boeing 787 aircraft from US routes, and redeploying selected A330 aircraft from domestic to international routes.
Greater China and Northeast Asia
- MSC has updated the rotation of its Wallaby service between China, Australia and New Zealand, reducing the round-trip transit time to 49 days.
- Carriers are reporting wait times of up to 15 days at Japanese ports, driven by tightening fuel availability across Asian hubs.
Australia, New Zealand and Pacific
- MSC’s Noumea Shuttle’s Tasmanian port call will transfer to the Southern Loop, improving connectivity between New Zealand and Tasmania via Melbourne and creating a more efficient gateway for deep sea-bound cargo.
- To meet growing demand across the Pacific, the MSC Noumea Express will transition to a weekly service.
Source: business.gov.au | Image: SmartOSC
The WA Government is investing in the future of the state’s horticulture industry through the installation of advanced cold storage equipment to support research that delivers high quality, nutritious and fresh local produce.
The $300,000 upgrade at the Manjimup Horticultural Research Institute includes the latest cold storage systems in the main storage room, along with five smaller rooms. This new infrastructure enables Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) scientists and collaborators to explore advancements in controlled and dynamic controlled atmosphere technologies to extend the shelf life of fresh produce.
Controlled atmosphere technology has become an essential tool for the fruit industry, helping to maintain product quality, optimise supply, target market opportunities, and reduce operating costs and emissions. By adjusting relative air gas composition, the technology slows the ripening process while preserving quality and nutriental value.
The equipment will be used by the National Apple Breeding Program at Manjimup, assisting the development of new apple varieties, while also expanding controlled atmosphere research into other crops, such as avocados and kiwi fruit.
Growers will have the opportunity to tour the new cold storage facilities at the upcoming Narrow Orchard Systems (NOS) field day on 20 May. The event will also showcase DPIRD and national research on orchard design and new technologies aimed at improving fruit yield, labour efficiencies and climate resilience.
For more information on the narrow orchard systems project visit the DPIRD website.
Source and image: DPIRD
Private label brands are outperforming national brands across the United States (US), growing faster, expanding market share, and delivering record sales results. In 2025, private-label retail sales reached a record US$282.8 billion across all US outlets, an increase of US$9 billion from 2024.
Join this webinar to explore private label opportunities in the US and see how the data supports this growing trend. Gain insights into what drives sales success and the key considerations when selling private label products in the US.
Hear directly from Ian Henderson, Founder and Master Vinegar Maker at Australian Vinegar, as he shares a real-world case study.
Key topics
- The private label opportunity in the US
- How to successfully capture this opportunity
- A case study of a successful client journey
- Introduction to PLMA Australia, the PLMA 2026 show, and the Austrade Program.
Who it's for
This webinar is designed for packaged food and consumer goods manufacturers looking to understand:
- The private label sector in the US
- How to benefit from exhibiting at the PLMA Chicago Trade Show.
Date &Time
- 7:00-8:00am AWST Wednesday, 3 June 2026
- Book now
Source and image: Go Global Toolkit
Consumer confidence in the safety of food sold in Australia and New Zealand remains strong and steady, according to the 2025 Consumer Insights Tracker (CIT).
Around 70% of consumers report confidence that food sold across both countries is safe to eat, a result that has remained consistent since 2023. Among those aware of Food Standards Australia and New Zealand, trust in the agency is also high, at approximately 78%.
The findings highlight growing confidence in food labelling. Since 2024, both trust in and the perceived importance of most labelling elements have increased, alongside improved confidence in interpreting label information. Around 80% of respondents now feel confident using food labels to make informed choices.
Additional insights from the 2025 CIT will be released progressively, including consumer perceptions and behaviours related to food safety, emerging food technologies, and online food purchasing.
The annual CIT provides valuable insight into how consumers engage with food information and supports the evidence based development of food standards and labelling approaches across Australia and New Zealand.
Source and image: Food Standards Australia New Zealand
Further information
Agribusiness, commercial fishing and aquaculture news from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD). If you have any questions or information to share, please email export@dpird.wa.gov.au.
Subscribe to Western Australian Agrifood Export eNews.
Important disclaimer
The Chief Executive Officer of the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and the State of Western Australia accept no liability whatsoever by reason of negligence or otherwise arising from the use or release of this information or any part of it.
Copyright © State of Western Australia (Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development), 2026.
