The confectionery industry may be undergoing significant transformation, but the joy, indulgence and connection it produces remains steadfast.
At ConTech2026, the 30th anniversary of the Australian confectionery industry’s flagship annual event, Australian Industry Group’s Tim Piper said the sector was moving into a world where transparency is expected, sustainability is non-negotiable, health is front of mind and regulation is accelerating.
As he welcomed guests to the conference at the MCG, Mr Piper — the Head of our Confectionery Sector and Head of Victoria — spoke of the key issues affecting members and how Australian Industry Group is advocating on their behalf.
With food ministers planning to make the voluntary Health Star Rating (HSR) system mandatory, Australian Industry Group is calling for fewer changes to costly regulations imposed on the food industry.
“We call on the Federal Government to leave well alone and not alter the star system’s basic fabric,” Mr Piper said.
“Any change will create needless new costs especially if the transition period is truncated.”
Mr Piper said the system isn’t a good fit for the confectionery sector.
“Importantly, confectionery is classified as a discretionary food, and rightly so. Shifting the star ratings meaningfully through reformulation is not so much the aim – what is key is the quantity and frequency of consumption and education. Confectionery is an occasional, treat food.
“We will be advocating the industry’s position to make sure our views and issues are front and centre.”
Helping members navigate packaging and soft plastics reform is another key priority.
“We’ve been talking about reform for several years, but progress has been slower than expected,” Mr Piper said.
“Part of the challenge is practical: sourcing local recycled plastics of food-grade quality remains difficult and often more expensive than virgin or imported options.
“We’re heading toward mandatory national requirements, including extended producer responsibility, standards around collection and design.
“For this sector, that matters — because soft plastics are central to how we package our products.
“This is not a small change and needs consumer buy in.
“We need to be at the table — shaping outcomes that are practical, effective and fair.”
Mr Piper praised the major confectionery manufacturers for developing programs that contribute to the solution.
Delegates later heard from Darren Thorpe, who shared how family-owned APR Plastics is closing the loop on soft plastics.
“What we’re seeing here in Australia is part of a much bigger shift,” Mr Piper said.
“Across the world, confectionery is facing increasing regulation: sugar taxes, restrictions on marketing and placement and increasing discussions on so-called UPFs (ultra-processed foods) - where confectionery is generally placed.
“At the same time, consumer expectations are evolving, whether that’s demand for lower sugar, interest in functional benefits or a stronger focus on sustainability.
“Overlaying that are significant cost pressures: volatility in key inputs like cocoa, sugar and dairy; ongoing supply chain disruption and margin pressure across the entire sector.
“Only last week, the cocoa prices increased by 10% in a day. That volatility, for example, is hard to factor into a long-term business plan.”
“It’s the role of organisations like Australian Industry Group to support you and advocate your position,” Mr Piper told delegates.
“Governments make decisions that don’t always recognise the value industry brings to the economy and the consumer.
“That’s where we come in. Our role is to listen to members, advocate on industry’s behalf and shape outcomes.”
Mr Piper was recently elected President of the International Confectionery Association — the first time someone from outside Europe or the US has held the role.
“It’s an important recognition of Australia’s place in the global industry, and it gives us a stronger voice in shaping how regulation evolves internationally,” he said.
It was back in 1996 when confectionery manufacturers across Australasia came together to hold a technical conference at William Angliss College in central Melbourne.
“What’s almost unbelievable is that the same people who made that first event happen are still deeply involved today,” Mr Piper said, paying tribute to his colleagues Jennifer Thompson and Julie Gerrard, who have assisted him in presenting ConTech for 30 years.
“From the beginning, there was a real need for technical knowledge in this industry.
“Over the years, we’ve invited international speakers to share that knowledge, just as we’ve done again this year.
“There are very few conferences anywhere in the world that offer this kind of technical depth on confectionery.
“I’m proud ConTech has reached 30 years and continues to be a staple in an industry that is constantly changing.
“Our role isn’t to defend the past; it’s to shape the future.
“And if we get that right, we won’t just meet the challenges we face; we’ll turn them into opportunities for growth and long-term success.”
Wendy Larter is Communications Manager at Australian Industry Group.
A former journalist for newspapers and magazines including The Courier-Mail in Brisbane and Metro, the News of the World, The Times and Elle in the UK, she is passionate about giving businesses a voice.
