Food & Drink News: Mar 7 - Australia (5 stories)

Here is your Daily summary for Food & Beverage across Australia for Sat 7th March 2026

Arnott’s has launched a new Shapes Light & Crispy range, featuring four flavors: Sour Cream & Chives, Balsamic Vinegar & Sea Salt, Honey Soy Chicken, and Cheddar Cheese. This move taps into the growing demand for lighter snack options, appealing to health-conscious consumers.

In Melbourne, Nico's Deli is reviving the hot vending machine concept, known as an 'automat,' to cater to late-night diners. This nostalgic approach could redefine convenience dining, offering quick access to fresh sandwiches and snacks.

Meanwhile, Australian and New Zealand regulations on plant milks continue to differ from international standards, with local farmers advocating for stricter definitions that align with traditional dairy classifications. This debate highlights ongoing tensions in the food industry regarding labeling and consumer rights.

Coca-Cola has introduced a new mixed drink featuring Absolut Vodka combined with Sprite, available in both regular and Zero Sugar options, aiming to capture the growing ready-to-drink market. However, Steinlager has faced a setback with a recall of 2,538 cases of its Ultra Low Carb beer due to a labeling error, raising concerns about alcohol-free product integrity.