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View the latest news from Slades. Search and browse by topic and date.

Feature

13 April 2025

Macamilk 100% Australian Made on Australia's East Coast

Macamilk is a standout brand in Australia’s dairy industry, proudly boasting its 100% Australian-made status. Based on the East Coast of Australia, Macamilk is dedicated to producing top-quality milk that embodies the essence of Australian farming excellence. Their commitment to local production ensures that every drop of milk is sourced from Australian dairy farms, reflecting the brand's dedication to supporting local agriculture and sustainability.

Feature

11 March 2025

Customised Formulations: Examples of how contract manufacturers are creating bespoke formulations to meet the unique needs of different food and beverage brands.

In the competitive landscape of food and beverage manufacturing, customised formulations have become essential for brands seeking to stand out. Contract manufacturers are increasingly offering bespoke formulations to cater to the unique requirements of their clients, ensuring products not only meet consumer expectations but also adhere to regulatory standards.

Feature

09 March 2025

Health and Wellness Trends: How contract manufacturers are helping brands innovate with health-focused products, from functional beverages to fortified snacks.

Health and wellness trends in Australia are rapidly evolving, driven by consumer demand for more nutritious and functional products. Australians are increasingly seeking foods and beverages that promote overall well-being, support specific health goals, and address dietary concerns. Popular trends include functional beverages infused with vitamins, minerals, and adaptogens; fortified snacks enriched with protein, fiber, or probiotics; and plant-based products that cater to vegan, vegetarian, and flexitarian diets. There is also a growing interest in clean-label products free from artificial additives, allergens, and genetically modified ingredients.

Feature

09 February 2025

Technology Integration: The role of advanced technologies, such as AI and automation, in enhancing the efficiency of contract manufacturing for food and beverage brands.

Technology Integration in Contract Manufacturing for Food and Beverage Brands in Australia

Feature

19 January 2025

Clean Label Movement: The trend towards clean label products and how contract manufacturers are supporting brands in creating transparent ingredient lists.

The Clean Label Movement is a consumer-driven trend emphasising transparency, simplicity, and naturalness in food and beverage products. Consumers increasingly demand products with fewer ingredients, free from artificial additives, preservatives, and colours, and that are easy to understand. This trend reflects a growing preference for health, wellness, and sustainability, prompting brands to reformulate their products to meet these expectations.

Feature

01 December 2024

Supply Chain Resilience: Strategies food and beverage brands are using with their contract manufacturers to ensure supply chain stability in uncertain times.

Food and beverage brands in Australia are increasingly partnering with contract manufacturers to navigate supply chain challenges brought on by global uncertainties. Several key strategies are being employed to enhance supply chain stability:

Feature

10 November 2024

Plant-Based Revolution: The rise of plant-based food and beverage brands and how contract manufacturers are adapting to meet the growing demand.

The Plant-Based Revolution is rapidly transforming the food and beverage industry as consumers increasingly shift toward plant-based diets for health, environmental, and ethical reasons. This trend is driven by a growing awareness of the benefits of plant-based foods, such as lower risks of heart disease and reduced carbon footprints, leading to a surge in demand for alternative proteins and non-dairy products. As a result, numerous plant-based brands are emerging, offering innovative products that cater to diverse tastes and dietary needs.

Feature

06 October 2024

Slades Contract Manufacturing

Slades Beverages, are a prominent player in the Australian beverage industry, and have achieved remarkable success through strategic contract manufacturing partnerships. With a history dating back over 150 years, Slades has leveraged their expertise and state-of-the-art facilities to develop a wide range of private-label products for both local and international brands, solidifying their reputation as a reliable and innovative contract manufacturer.

Feature

17 September 2024

Innovations in Sustainable Packaging

In recent years, innovations in sustainable packaging have become a focal point for food and beverage brands, particularly in Australia, where there is growing consumer demand for eco-friendly options. Brands are increasingly partnering with contract manufacturers to develop packaging solutions that minimise environmental impact, reduce waste, and align with the principles of a circular economy.

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A snow monkey in a hot spring wearing glasses and a can of Lemon and Yuzu Sake

16 August 2024

Slades launch Snow Monkey Sake

Slades Beverages launched Snow Monkey Sake as part of its expansion into the premium beverage market. This unique offering blends traditional Japanese sake-making techniques with innovative flavour profiles, catering to both sake enthusiasts and newcomers to the age old tradition of Japanese Sake. The Snow Monkey Sake product is crafted with high-quality ingredients, including specially selected rice and pure water, ensuring an authentic taste experience.

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Manufacturing equipment in a factory producing Just Water cartons

12 July 2024

Contract Packaging

Slades provide a comprehensive contract manufacturing and packaging service from its two locations in Victoria, Australia. Slades HQ located in Melbourne and Cottonwood Springs in the regional area of Ballarat, North West of Melbourne.

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several cartons of Just Water with clouds in the background

04 June 2024

JUST Water : A Better Option.

The Slades Beverages’ facility in Victoria is the location of the PKN-JUST Water pow-wow. I’m joined by Andrew Pooch, MD of packaging solutions company Tetra Pak Oceania, and George Tan, director of Slade Beverages, co-packer for the product. Dialled in from Los Angeles, where he’s overseeing the promotion of JUST Water at Expo West, is CEO of JUST Goods, Ira Laufer.

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