The Australian Southern Bluefin Tuna Industry Association (ASBTIA) has reached a new milestone, with its purse seine fishery now certified as sustainable under the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) standard.
New call for feedback on chicken meat supply chain
The Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) is calling for submissions to inform its review of the Australian chicken meat industry.
$17 million Central Coast food manufacturing project
Construction has now commenced on the Food Manufacturing Innovation Hub by Central Coast Industry Connect (CCIC).
A national step-up for Australian food sustainability
At the 36th Banksia Foundation National Sustainability Awards, the Australian Food Pact (AFP) won the Business Services and Solutions Award, recognising efforts and changes across Australia’s food system.
Food and wine campaign to target China’s 500 million buyers
New opportunities for South Australian (SA) food and wine are set to launch in the culinary capitals of Shanghai and Shenzhen, China.
Coles’ kicks off annual military charity fundraiser
Cutting-edge innovations set for FoodTech Qld
The FoodTech Qld expo will return in 2025, showcasing advancements in food production, science, supply chain, distribution, warehousing, safety, processing, packaging, and plant equipment. The event will be held at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre on 19-20 June.
FoodTech Qld provides a platform for more than 3,000 professionals in the food and beverage manufacturing sector to drive business growth, explore new technologies, and network. Attendees will have access to more than 140 suppliers offering solutions for food production and processing.
The event has built a strong reputation as a key date on the calendar for its highly targeted audience, which seeks out the latest innovations and advancements to improve manufacturing and production.
Among the list of exhibitors for FoodTech Qld 2025 is Aquatiq, which provides for safety solutions for the industry.
Simon Fraser, Aquatiq managing director, Australia and New Zealand, said the company is eager to introduce its comprehensive suite of products designed to enhance food safety standards while supporting sustainability and operational efficiency.
At the core of Aquatiq’s exhibition is its “Aquatiq 360” approach to food safety, a holistic concept that integrates automated cleaning systems, specialised chemistry, training, and advanced data management software. The company’s Aquatiq One software, which offers trending and analysis of product and environmental testing, will also be a key feature at the event.
Fraser said participation in FoodTech Qld provides an opportunity to not only promote their brand but also establish strong connections with processors, suppliers, and potential partners in the region.
“We are bringing a new era of food safety to the Australian food industry,” said Fraser.
The Queensland market, particularly the red meat processing sector, is of particular importance to Aquatiq as it continues to expand its presence in the region.
The company’s innovative solutions are designed to address the ongoing challenges in the food manufacturing industry, such as labour shortages, sustainability goals, and occupational health and safety improvements.
Exhibiting at FoodTech Qld also allows Aquatiq to further solidify its position as a leading player in the food safety space.
“We are a food safety business, and that’s our core focus,” he said. “We have extensive global experience in solving issues with training, equipment, and chemistry.”
In addition to showcasing its existing solutions, Aquatiq will also introduce new technologies, including automatic cleaning systems that align with sustainability targets and environmental testing tools powered by AI.
With a strong emphasis on innovation, the company plans to engage attendees through live demonstrations and in-depth discussions with food safety experts on-site.
For Aquatiq, networking is a critical aspect of FoodTech Qld.
The company is particularly interested in meeting with industry leaders and discussing advancements in food safety and sustainability. With a hope that these interactions will lead to new partnerships, collaborations, and future growth opportunities.
Looking ahead, Aquatiq sees its participation in FoodTech Qld as pivotal for driving brand awareness and positioning the company for long-term success within the Australian food industry. The event serves as an essential platform for staying ahead of industry trends, connecting with stakeholders, and gathering valuable feedback that will inform future product development.
“We anticipate that this exposure will not only strengthen our position in the Australian market but will also help us stay ahead of competitors by continually evolving and innovating our food safety solutions,” said Fraser.
Another key exhibitor for FoodTech Qld 2025 is Viking Food Solutions.
According to Donna Augoustakis, marketing manager, Viking Food Solutions, the company’s motivation to exhibit at FoodTech QLD is twofold, to introduce the company’s Queensland branch and engage with clients.
“We’re excited to launch our Queensland presence and meet new and existing customers, showcasing our wide range of services and products, including in-house printing, converting, and packaging solutions,” said Augoustakis.
“This is a chance for us to directly engage with the industry, offering not just products but a full-service experience,” said Augoustakis.
“Our food industry is one of the most pivotal sectors of our economy, and we’re thrilled to partner with Australian food businesses as they grow and navigate their journeys,” said Augoustakis.
Viking Food Solutions has developed a reputation for agility and customer-centricity with an ability to respond quickly to market demands, including product launches and the provision of quick stock supplies.
Viking also aims to address critical challenges facing the food manufacturing sector, particularly around the need for reliable product supply and minimising downtime in production.
“Our commitment is to ensure a continued supply of quality products with full-service coverage. Downtime in production costs businesses immensely, and we work hard to prevent that,” said Augoustakis.
Innovation will also take centre stage, with Viking unveiling its new premium vacuum shrink bags and export-grade packaging solutions. These innovations promise to improve product integrity during transport and offer superior presentation.
“Our APEX Tomahawk bags, for instance, are designed to provide a flawless finish with strength and gloss, ensuring the best possible presentation for products like Tomahawks,” said Augoustakis.
In addition to showcasing its product range, Viking’s presence at FoodTech QLD will reinforce its strong local commitment in Queensland, a key hub for Australian beef exports.
The opening of its Queensland office and warehouse will allow the company to better manage stock levels and reduce delivery times for its customers.
Viking Food Solutions’ focus at the event will not only be on attracting new business but also on fostering existing partnerships through meaningful, face-to-face interactions.
“We’re here to listen, support, and build relationships. It’s about making sure our customers feel truly valued,” said Augoustakis.
Viking is keenly attuned to evolving industry trends. With increasing demand for biodegradable and recyclable materials, the company plans to continue its focus on sustainable packaging technologies
Aquatiq Australia and Viking Food Solutions a prime example of the cutting-edge solutions set to be showcased at FoodTech Qld 2025.
Visitor registration is free and tickets can be purchased to the two day conference at foodtechqld.com.au.
A look back at the 2024 Woman of the Year winner
The Women in Industry Awards are a platform to recognise and celebrate the achievements of women across a diverse range of industrial sectors.
For more than a decade, the awards have shone a spotlight on the invaluable contributions of women who are not only excelling in their fields but are also actively driving change, breaking down barriers, and inspiring the next generation of female leaders.
Organised by Prime Creative Media, the awards encompass industries such as waste management, mining, transport, manufacturing, engineering, logistics, bulk handling, rail, construction, infrastructure, and energy.
They demonstrate that these industries offer viable and rewarding career paths for women, while the stories and achievements of the award winners serve as powerful inspiration and role models for young women considering careers in industrial sectors.
Looking back at previous years, the awards have highlighted the diverse talents and significant impact of women across various sectors.
The 2024 Woman of the Year was Derelle Mitchell from Health Focus Manufacturing (HFM), who was also recognised for Excellence in Manufacturing.
Derelle’s drive to rekindle her career after raising her children led her to seize an opportunity to acquire the assets of a cosmetic manufacturing company in 2011, marking the humble beginning of HFM.
Starting with a small team in a “big green shed”, HFM has grown over the past decade to accommodate more than 40 staff members with over 200 years of combined experience.
“I started this business from very humble beginnings,” she said when accepting the Woman of the Year award. “The most enjoyable thing I get from my job is getting people jobs, and I love what I do.
“It takes a lot of blood, sweat, tears, and sacrifices for work every day. I wake up every day at 4 o’clock in the morning, and I love it, especially the people I work with. I wouldn’t be sitting here right now if it wasn’t for them.”
Other notable winners in 2024 included Kathleen Kelly (McConnell Dowell) for Safety Advocacy, Kate Leone (UGL) for Rising Star, and Allyson Woodford (APA Group) for Excellence in Engineering.
The 2025 nominations close May 9, so be sure to nominate someone for any of the below award categories:
- Business Development Success of the Year
- Excellence in Construction
- Excellence in Engineering
- Excellence in Energy
- Excellence in Manufacturing
- Excellence in Mining
- Excellence in Transport (Proudly sponsored by Kenter)
- Industry Advocacy Award:
- Mentor of the Year:
- Rising Star of the Year (Proudly sponsored by Atlas Copco)
- Safety Advocacy Award (Proudly sponsored by Paccar Australia)
- Woman of the Year (Proudly sponsored by Fulton Hogan)
Each year, the Women in Industry Awards culminate in a gala dinner, bringing together industry leaders, nominees, and supporters to celebrate the achievements of the finalists and winners.
The 2025 awards night will be held in Melbourne on 19 June 2025. Help celebrate with us by purchasing a ticket here.
Calls for a national food security strategy
According to figures from the National Farmer’s Federation (NFF), Australia’s food and beverage industry currently produces enough food for 75 million people. However, food security still faces growing challenges that demand a national strategy.
The COVID-19 pandemic revealed vulnerabilities in Australia’s food supply chains, showing how external shocks can disrupt production and delivery. Additionally, escalating geopolitical tensions, extreme weather, and rising costs have further highlighted the need for a coordinated approach to food security.
The NFF released a report titled Securing Australia’s Farming Future, detailing the importance of the upcoming election and what should be addressed to combat food insecurity going forward.
“The 2025 Federal Election comes at a critical moment for Australian agriculture and for every Australian family that relies on farmers for affordable food and fibre,” said David Jochinke, president of the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF).
“Our sector stands at the intersection of major mega trends that will reshape farming and consumer prices for generations to come.”
Jochinke’s comments highlight the urgency of addressing the interconnected challenges facing the sector.
“The global trading environment is becoming more protectionist and uncertain, threatening the market access that underpins our $80 billion export industry,” said Jochinke.
Australia’s agricultural future hinges not only on domestic efforts but also on securing international trade relations.
Domestic pressures include competition for agricultural land, a strained workforce, and rising production costs. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) projects that by 2030, 360 million people could face food insecurity, making Australia’s role more critical. More than 30 per cent of Australian households already experience food insecurity, highlighting the urgency of addressing supply chain vulnerabilities.
The NFF’s advocacy for a National Food Plan aims to address these issues and ensure agricultural considerations are integrated into government policy. Meanwhile, the FAO’s 2023 inquiry into food security recommended a National Food Security Strategy to coordinate responses and maintain Australia’s capacity to feed its population and the world.
In line with this, the National Food Security Preparedness Strategy would be a framework to ensure the industry can continue feeding Australians as the pace of disruptive forces increases.
Key strategy areas to safeguard long-term food security include:
Reducing the cost of farming
Farmers face rising costs, with diesel, electricity, fertilisers, and machinery increasing by more than 50 per cent in the past five years. Combined with labour shortages and regulatory compliance, these pressures strain productivity and food prices.
“Rising costs and red tape for farmers are driving up production costs, which inevitably flow through to higher prices at the supermarket checkout,” said Jochinke.
The NFF is calling for policy reforms such as abolishing the super tax on family farms, maintaining the Fuel Tax Credits scheme, and committing $8 million annually to the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA).
Sustainable farming
Farmers manage more than half of Australia’s land and have reduced emissions intensity by 65 per cent since 1990. However, challenges like invasive species, water protection, and biodiversity remain. The NFF calls for a Federal Sustainable Agriculture Policy to support farmers in addressing these challenges while promoting sustainable practices.
“Our climate is changing, demanding new approaches to farming, and reshaping the expectations of our customers, regulators, and stakeholders,” said Jochinke.
Workforce and farm safety
The agricultural workforce shortage is worsened by recent reforms, and farm safety remains underfunded. The NFF advocates for more government investment in farm safety and mental health support for farmers, who have higher suicide rates than other workers.
“Unmet workforce needs continue to place a hand brake on productivity, with a growing risk that changing attitudes to migration will exacerbate this problem,” said Jochinke.
Securing global markets
Australia’s agricultural sector depends on global markets, exporting more than 70 per cent of its production annually. While trade with China has improved, uncertainties remain with protectionist policies, such as those from the Trump administration. The NFF advocates for increased trade diplomacy to secure Australia’s position.
“The global trading environment is becoming more protectionist and uncertain, threatening the market access that underpins our $80 billion export industry,” said Jochinke.
Regional infrastructure
The demographic shift towards regional Australia is placing pressure on infrastructure, including housing, healthcare, and digital connectivity. The NFF urges investment in regional infrastructure to support growing populations and agricultural productivity.
“Our regions are transforming rapidly as internal migration accelerates, stretching housing, infrastructure, and services to their limits,” said Jochinke.
By addressing supply chain vulnerabilities, reducing cost pressures, supporting sustainable practices, and ensuring access to global markets, Australia can secure food security for its citizens and the world.
“The NFF looks forward to engaging with all candidates and parties in the coming election campaign to highlight how supporting farmers helps keep food and fibre affordable for all Australians, while achieving our vision of becoming Australia’s next $100 billion industry by the year 2030,” said Jochinke.
New MLA taskforce for Australia’s livestock transport
Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) and red meat supply chain representatives have formed a new Transport Sustainability Taskforce. The taskforce will work to build transparency and identify areas for improvement within the livestock road transport industry.
Recycling scheme to undergo Parliamentary Inquiry
Queensland’s Containers for Change scheme continues to grow in popularity, with the program recently reaching the significant milestone of eight billion containers returned since its launch in November 2018.
This achievement underscores the success of the scheme in encouraging recycling and reducing litter across the state and is a prime example of a circular economy in action.
The initiative, which offers a 10-cent refund for eligible drink containers and is administered by Container Exchange, aims to curb the environmental impact of littered containers while promoting sustainable waste management practices.
By providing a financial incentive, Containers for Change has played a key role in increasing Queensland’s recycling rate and reducing the amount of waste sent to landfill.
In total, the scheme has returned $800 million to Queenslanders, with $12 million of that amount being donated to charities and community groups.
Environment Minister Leanne Linard and Container Exchange (CoEx) CEO Natalie Roach celebrated the eight billion container milestone at the Community Co Recycling Depot in Windsor, Brisbane.
Minister Linard highlighted the positive environmental impact of the scheme, noting that the eight billion containers returned represent a reduction of 400,000 tonnes of waste, equivalent to enough containers to wrap around the Earth’s equator 35 times.
“This is a phenomenal amount of waste that has been diverted from landfill and recycled, benefiting our natural environment and the community,” said Linard. “It’s also fantastic news for Queenslanders, who have collectively shared in $800 million in refunds.”
The scheme’s expansion in late 2023 to include glass wine and spirit bottles has further contributed to its success
Since the expansion, there has been a 13.5 per cent increase in the quantity of glass bottles returned, helping to drive up the overall volume of containers returned.
In January 2024, a record 175.8 million containers were returned, surpassing the previous record of 157.5 million in January 2023.
Roach expressed pride in the continued success of the scheme, particularly the growing participation in glass container recycling, a key for the beverage sector.
“The return of eight billion containers highlights the ongoing dedication of Queenslanders to container recycling,” she said.
“With the inclusion of glass wine and spirit bottles, we have seen record volumes returned, and we are excited by the positive impact this scheme continues to have.”
The scheme operates as a product stewardship arrangement, where drink manufacturers cover the costs of operation, as well as processing the containers for recycling.
This ensures that manufacturers take responsibility for the environmental impact of their products after consumption.
The Queensland Government has appointed the not-for-profit group CoEx as the Product Responsibility Organisation (PRO) to manage the scheme. CoEx oversees ensuring the efficient operation of the scheme, providing access to container refund points throughout the state, and supporting ongoing expansion efforts.
CoEx offers various return options, including depots, 24-hour bag drops, self-serve reverse vending machines, and home collection services.
The Containers for Change app also allows users to track their refunds and find nearby return points.
Linard also emphasised the ongoing commitment of the Queensland Government to expanding the scheme and improving recycling rates across
the state.
We want to see the scheme continue to grow,” she said. “That’s why I am working with the board and CEO of Container Exchange on new ideas to further increase the rate of container recycling.”
The scheme will soon undergo a Parliamentary Inquiry, launched by the Queensland Government in February after the it said it wants to see the recycling rates increase further.
The scheme has a legislated target return rate of 85 per cent but, despite more Queenslanders returning their eligible items, the return rate has continually fallen short of that target
The scheme has a legislated target return rate of 85 per cent, but despite more Queenslanders returning their eligible items, the return rate has continually fallen short of that target.
COEX’s 2023-24 annual report reveals an annual recovery rate of 67.4 per cent, and the recovery rate for the first two quarters of this financial year is 62.7 per cent, around 20 per cent shy of legislated targets.
Minister for the Environment and Tourism and Minister for Science and Innovation, Andrew Powell, said the Inquiry would help identify how the program could be improved to put more refunds in Queenslanders’ pockets.
“The Queensland Government is committed to boosting recycling through Containers for Change, saving recyclables from landfill and delivering more refunds to Queenslanders,” said Powell.
“We need to understand why the program has fallen short of its targets … and how it can be improved to deliver more benefits for Queenslanders.
“The Inquiry will also assess deposit location coverage, to help boost Queenslanders’ access.”
The Inquiry will also examine the current state and operation of the scheme, its efficiency and effectiveness in delivering on its legislative objects.
The Parliamentary Committee has been tasked with delivering a report by August 2025, one that details how to improve the number of containers returned to hit the initial target.
If successful, the program will give key insights for other State Governments to evaluate.
New autonomous tech introduced for WA growers
The introduction of a new autonomous orchard spray unit in Western Australia is under study for its potential to benefit growers across the country.
Treotham’s industrial automation solutions across Australia
With more three decades in the market, Treotham Automation provides industrial automation solutions that help streamline production processes and improve efficiency, particularly for food and beverage manufacturing.
Since its founding, Treotham has evolved from a small enterprise offering industrial automation products to a leader in automation technologies, providing cutting-edge solutions for food producers across Australia and beyond.
Specialising in the food and beverage sector, Treotham offers a comprehensive range of automation products, including flexible cables, energy chains, control cables, safety sensors, vacuum technology, and hygienic systems.
The company’s products are designed to meet the unique challenges faced by food production facilities, such as stringent hygiene requirements, high-speed operations, and the need for reliability and minimal downtime.
“Treotham provides a full circle of automation components that help ensure smooth production,” said Michael Wood, Technical Sales Engineer at Treotham.
“Our solutions not only focus on improving the efficiency of operations but also on reducing maintenance requirements, which is critical in an industry like food and beverage.”
One of the company’s key product offerings is the FC joint system, a robust, corrosion-resistant component made from igumid FC plastic.
This innovative system eliminates the need for external lubrication, reducing the risk of contamination in food production environments where sanitation is paramount.
The FC joint’s wear-resistant properties and ease of cleaning make it an ideal solution for the food industry, ensuring compliance with the highest hygiene standards.
In addition to the FC joint, Treotham offers energy chains combined with Chainflex cables, which protect cables from mechanical wear and environmental stressors common in food manufacturing settings.
These systems ensure that cables remain intact and fully functional, even in high-speed or dynamic applications, minimising maintenance and downtime. The company also provides vacuum technology solutions, which are integral in handling and packaging processes, improving product flow, and reducing contamination risks.
Treotham’s sensors and measuring systems help manufacturers optimise production processes and maintain food safety standards by monitoring critical variables such as temperature, pressure, and humidity. These sensors enable precise control over the production process, ensuring consistency and quality in the final product.
Additionally, the company’s connectors and flexible conduits are built to withstand the tough conditions of food processing environments, ensuring secure and reliable electrical connections.
“A key part of our success lies in our ability to offer solutions that meet the demanding requirements of the food and beverage sector,” said Wood.
“We work closely with our clients to ensure they get the right products for their specific needs, whether it’s for a unique machine or a large-scale production line.”
Treotham’s strong partnerships with global manufacturers such as igus, Lapp, and PMA allow the company to bring world-class automation solutions to the Australian market.
These collaborations provide Treotham’s clients with access to cutting-edge technologies, ensuring they stay competitive in an increasingly demanding industry. Through these partnerships, Treotham can offer high-performance cables, hygienic bearing systems, advanced sensors, and much more, enabling manufacturers to maintain high efficiency and safety standards.
“The partnerships we have cultivated with leading manufacturers have been instrumental in providing our customers with the best automation solutions available,” said Wood.
“These collaborations allow us to offer a wider range of products and ensure that we meet the specific needs of the food and beverage sector.”
Treotham’s reach extends well beyond national borders with a global network of distribution partners. The company serves clients across Australia, New Zealand, and beyond, including the USA and Canada.
This international presence not only allows Treotham to support a broader range of customers but also enables the company to assist with export approvals.
“Whereas Australia does export some machines, not as many as what a lot of other countries would do, but this opens up that avenue for our customers,” said Wood.
“For example, if they are exporting to the USA or Canada and it’s a food processing or packaging machine, then we’re able to provide all the CSA UL approvals that are required for that cable to enter and be certified.
“Being able to provide that and all the documentation allows the customer to look at projects they may have not been able to in the past.”
This international scope provides customers with added value, ensuring they have the necessary approvals for exporting machines and components, allowing them to expand their business opportunities globally.
Treotham’s success can also be attributed to its focus on customer satisfaction and long-term relationships. The company’s team of experts works closely with clients to provide tailored solutions that meet the specific needs of each project.
From initial consultation to after-sales support, Treotham ensures that customers receive the highest level of service throughout the entire process.
“It depends on the customer. Food and beverage manufacturing, or machine manufacturing in Australia, is a lot of one-offs, and that means a need for unique machines,” said Wood.
“What we’re providing is essential requirements, the use of third-party processing and production processes. Our wide network is an added benefit to the customer, as Treotham has a selection from the top companies in their fields.”
This ability to provide tailored solutions is key to Treotham’s success. By becoming a one-stop shop for automation components, Treotham simplifies the process for customers, allowing them to focus on what matters most—optimising their production lines.
“It ends up making our customer’s job a lot easier because we become a one-stop shop for the components they require,” said Wood.
“We’re able to use our expertise in those product groups to provide the best solution.”
The company’s commitment to sustainability is another aspect that sets it apart.
Treotham integrates energy-efficient technologies into its products, helping businesses reduce their carbon footprint while improving operational efficiency.
In an era where sustainability is a top priority for many businesses, Treotham’s environmentally conscious approach helps clients meet their sustainability goals while maintaining high productivity.
As technological innovation accelerates, Treotham remains at the forefront of industrial automation. The company continues to develop and introduce new solutions that meet the ever-evolving needs of the food and beverage sector.
“The advantages that come with employing better automation are numerous, with each one having some positive impact on production costs,”
said Wood.
“Maintenance is probably one of the biggest issues in the food and beverage industry at the moment, due to labour costs, general downtime, and so on.
“We can provide a product that essentially has zero maintenance and a scheduled lifetime calculation allowing the customer to schedule in their maintenance, reducing their downtime, and essentially reduce their costs.”
This focus on reducing maintenance and downtime is a key reason why Treotham is such a valuable partner for food manufacturers. By providing products that require minimal maintenance, Treotham helps its clients maximise their productivity and reduce the overall cost of operations.
As Treotham Automation looks to the future, it remains committed to shaping the future of industrial automation through innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction.
With a strong track record of success, the company is well-positioned to continue helping businesses in the food and beverage sector optimise their operations and stay competitive in an increasingly globalised market.
Through its broad range of high-quality products, deep industry knowledge, and commitment to customer satisfaction, Treotham Automation has become a trusted partner for businesses in the food and beverage manufacturing sector.
Whether it’s providing hygienic sensors, reliable cables, or advanced automation systems, Treotham continues to lead the way in driving efficiency, productivity, and sustainability across the industry.
Australian beef globally recognised as sustainable protein
Australian beef as a sustainable protein has been recognised at the World Expo 2025, Japan.
Call to action from the AFGC
The Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC) has listed a series of key actions it believes should be adopted to achieve an increasingly stronger sector moving forward. In a statement from the council, a spokesperson said the candidates in the upcoming Federal Election should prioritise policies that address immediate needs of Australia’s food and grocery sector while paving the way for long-term collaborative solutions.
“The food and grocery sector has faced growing pressures in recent years,” an AFGC statement read.
“Supply chains remain strained after COVID-19, costs are rising, and the industry is faced with increasing compliance demands, from improving nutrition content to advancing sustainability through packaging and energy use.
“Without collaborative and sustained action, the ability to deliver the products Australians know and love are at risk. A thriving food and grocery industry is the key ingredient for a resilient Australia.
“The sector touches every household, and securing its future is critical for our nation’s economic and social stability.”
Some key actions to achieve this future include:
- Strengthen supply chains by investing in critical infrastructure like the East-West Rail to ensure efficient and reliable delivery of essential goods to consumers nationwide
- Incentivise investment with targeted tax breaks for advanced technologies, automation, and energy efficiency upgrades to boost productivity and sustainability
- Champion clear and consistent packaging regulation that is harmonised across Australia and industries to boost circularity.
In its call to action, the AFGC divided recommendations into three categories, ‘today’, ‘tomorrow’, and ‘together’.
Among the actions that can be adopted today was a call to strengthen vital connections like the aforementioned East-West Rail. It is Australia’s only direct train link between the East and West coasts, to safeguard supply chain efficiency and national resilience.
The AFGC is urging increased government investment to reinforce this important freight rail line and East Coast freight rail network, vital for the nationwide delivery of essential food and groceries.
The AFGC spokesperson said fortifying these critical arteries, including roads, against rain, fire or other conditions protects the delivery of essential food and groceries to consumers nationwide.
As well as the infrastructure strengthening, the AFGC also called for tax incentives to help boost investment, coupled with an increase in funding for Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ).
For points of action further down the line, the AFGC hopes to see more incentives for companies to adopt renewable energy solutions and more efficient technology across the industry, along with clear and consistent packaging regulations and a wider adoption of digital labelling.
And for the ‘together’ recommendations, the organisation has called for more collaborative efforts such as reinforcing the Healthy Food Partnership (HFP) between government and industry, and incentivising food donation to limit food waste. The AFGC also released results from its biennial survey, in partnership with Argon & Co, which supports the points of action, detailing five trends shaping food and grocery supply chains.
These trends were: cutting costs in supply chain; regular disruptions; the Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation revolution; sustainability; and consumer preferences.
Cutting costs in supply chain
The survey revealed that 43 per cent of respondents are focusing on cost reduction over the next one to two years. This marks the first time in the survey’s history that cost reduction has surpassed customer satisfaction as the top priority for supply chain leaders.
Energy, materials, labour, and transport were identified as the main cost concerns.
With production costs continuing to rise, profitability is under pressure. If this trend persists, businesses may face difficult decisions, including price hikes, smaller pack sizes, or reduced quality, all of which could affect consumers.
Nearly 80 per cent of respondents reported moderate to significant disruptions, with 68 per cent citing delays in international shipping.
In response, businesses have diversified suppliers, strengthened resilience, and improved agility
AI and Automation
A survey has found that 74 per cent of respondents plan to invest in AI and automation over the next three years, aiming to improve route optimisation, efficiency, and quality control.
However, the adoption of these technologies is being hindered by a shortage of skilled workers. Companies are now focusing on upskilling their teams to implement robotics, machine learning, and warehouse automation.
Sustainability
Sustainability continues to be a key focus for manufacturers.
Australian companies will need to meet new climate-related disclosure requirements and packaging reforms, which begin this year.
While upfront costs are high, sustainability investments enhance brand reputation and help future-proof operations. The challenge lies in finding cost-effective solutions to meet rising expectations.
Consumer preferences
Market research shows consumers are increasingly choosing organic, sustainable, and minimally processed products. This shift is prompting consumer goods manufacturers to reassess product portfolios, supply chains, and sourcing strategies. Companies that quickly adapt to these changes in consumer behaviour can secure brand loyalty and maintain market share in a competitive market.
However, product innovation to meet these demands is capital intensive and challenging in a high-cost production environment. Consumer preference was also in the top three considerations for supply chain planning.
“Strengthening the resilience of supply chains by investing in rail and road, embracing AI and adapting to shifting consumer demands will be critical to the industry’s success,” the AFGC call to action stated.
“With the right government and industry action, Australia’s food and grocery sector can build stronger supply chains for the future.”
Unlocking spirit industry’s $1 billion export potential
Australian spirits manufacturers have welcomed recommendations from a federal parliamentary inquiry aimed at unlocking the industry’s $1 billion export potential. The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Resources tabled its recommendations from the Inquiry Into Food and Beverage Manufacturing in Australia last month.
Chaired by Labor MP Rob Mitchell, the bipartisan committee recommended the creation of a body called Spirits Australia, which would aim to improve regulation, support innovation, and drive export opportunities.
The committee cited the success of Wine Australia as a model for the spirit’s sector. The report also called for increased Austrade assistance for small and medium enterprises seeking to export Australian food and beverage products to Asia. The committee noted that 40 per cent of the submissions it received were from the alcohol industry, raising concerns over Australia’s alcohol taxation system.
While no conclusions were finalised, the committee recommended the formation of a House Select Committee to further investigate all aspects of Australia’s alcohol industry. Australian Distillers Association chief executive Paul McLeay thanked the committee for recognising the opportunities and challenges facing the spirit’s sector.
“These recommendations show that the committee acknowledges our potential to follow the example of Australian wine, which has grown into a $2.5 billion export industry through collaboration with the Federal Government,” he said.
“We call on the Government to adopt our Spirits Export Accelerator Strategy as the first step toward realising the goals of the Spirits Australia body.”
Spirits & Cocktails Australia chief executive Greg Holland said the industry looked forward to working with the Federal Government on the report’s recommendations but emphasised the need for proper funding.
“But we must remind the Government that Spirits Australia cannot be industry-funded while we’re paying the world’s third-highest spirits’ tax. There simply isn’t room for an additional levy,” he said.
“Wine Australia was fully Government-funded in the beginning, and still receives partial funding, as the committee acknowledges in its report.
“Spirits Australia must initially be funded through a portion of the $6 billion in excise our industry pays to the Government each year.”
Despite the positive news around the potential establishment of a new industry body for the spirits sectors, Holland also criticised the Federal Government’s freeze on draught beer excise, which was announced at the same time. He said the freeze discriminates against spirits producers and the entire distilling supply chain.
“The tax on spirits is already three times higher than it is on beer. Freezing draught beer excise alone is discriminatory in every sense. It favours beer drinkers over spirit drinkers, brewers over distillers, and pubs over bars,” he said.
Holland added that the Federal Government had previously ignored calls from the spirits industry for sensible alcohol tax reform.
“These recommendations were supported by a bipartisan parliamentary committee in its recent report on the food and beverage manufacturing inquiry,” he said.
“Yet the Government has baulked at the alcohol tax reform it knows is desperately needed by the 700 distilleries operating across Australia, 50 per cent of them in regional areas.”
Australian Distillers Association CEO Paul McLeay echoed Holland’s concerns, calling the Government’s freeze on draught beer excise unnecessary.
“This policy has put a dampener on last week’s announcement of a $50,000 increase to the remission,” he said.
McLeay also emphasised the spirits industry’s growth potential, including its goal of becoming a $1 billion export industry within the next decade.
“The Government has so far overlooked this economic opportunity, so we hope there are further policy announcements that will enable us to realise this potential,” he said.
McLeay thanked the Committee for recognising the spirits sector’s challenges and opportunities and urged the Federal Government to adopt the Spirits Export Accelerator Strategy, designed to help bolster international competitiveness and create better conditions for export growth.
The ongoing debate around alcohol taxation and the freeze on draught beer excise reflects the growing concerns within the spirits sector, which is pushing for more equitable tax policies to support its expansion and international competitiveness. However, it’s hoped the creation of Spirits Australia will go a long way toward helping the sector improve its position even more going into the future.
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