Now more than ever, Australia’s consumer brands are assuming bolder and more direct marketing strategies in an effort to outmanoeuvre their competitors. Capitalising on another brand’s reputation has become far more common in Australia, although the financial and reputational costs of getting it wrong can be substantial.

Last week, former Australian fashion retailer, Mosaic Brands Pty Ltd (“Mosaic”), which owned prominent brands such as Millers, Noni B, Rivers, Katies, Rockmans and W. Lane, was ordered to pay a $25.05 million penalty that serves as a stark warning for Australia’s consumer and retail community.

Australia's supermarket landscape is set for a fundamental reset with the introduction of the Food and Grocery Code of Conduct (Mandatory Code), transitioning from the existing voluntary code to a binding regulatory framework that aims to regulate commercial interactions across the grocery supply chain.

On 17 December 2024, the Federal Court of Australia sided with baby and infant snack food brand, Little Bellies, in a watershed copyright infringement case against ALDI.

Running an FMCG business can be fun and exciting, but it’s also a legal minefield. By taking a proactive approach, you can avoid legal ruin and focus your energy on what you do best: selling great products to happy customers. 

Selling an FMCG business takes a lot of preparation, and successful transactions often require years of planning and careful consideration. There are several mistakes that business owners should be aware of when considering selling their business, to increase their chances of a successful transaction.