Peak industry body, Food SA has warned that local food manufacturers will continue to suffer unless consumers make a concerted effort to buy local.
Chief executive, Catherine Barnett said that it is imperative that SA consumers make an effort to support local producers as the food industry is both the state’s largest employer and largest industry, The Advertiser reports.
“South Australia’s food industry has been challenged in tough times yet continues to perform well contributing $14.3b in revenue to the economy in 2011-12 and employing 150,000 people – that’s nearly one in five of the state’s workforce,” she said.
“Food remains the largest manufacturing segment in South Australia and more than ever is vital to the state as both the backbone and heart of the economy.”
In a push to support SA brands, Barnett has suggested that consumers should encourage supermarkets to stock more Aussie brands.
"Consumers are lucky to have some of the very best quality, safe, innovative and diverse products and produce on their doorstep in South Australia," said Barnett.
"There are benefits to consumers in buying a South Australian product as the knock on effects reach far beyond the company to potentially hundreds of suppliers including growers, packaging, freight, hospitality, retail and business services.”