The chairman of the Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC), Anthony Holme, has announced that AFGC CEO Tanya Barden will depart the organisation following a mutually agreed separation.
“Tanya is departing the AFGC after more than 12 years in the organisation, including over seven as CEO,” said Holme. “Since joining the AFGC, Tanya has been a staunch and very effective advocate for our industry, demonstrating sound expertise on the issues that matter most to our members.
“This includes helping our sector navigate the myriads of challenges through COVID, working collaboratively on the Food and Grocery Code of Conduct and the importance of food and grocery manufacturing to the Australian economy.
“In addition, Tanya, and her team, along with key partners and our members, have been instrumental in designing and leading the National Plastics Recycling Scheme, now Soft Plastics Stewardship Australia (SPCA), a legacy-building initiative that serves as a blueprint for future circular systems.”
Holme also said that Barden has made a great impact in her time as CEO and on behalf of the AFGC and its members, he would like to thank her for her leadership and wish her the best for the future.
He said that Barden will step down immediately and will take a break before considering her next career opportunity. Barden began her tenure with AFGC in 2012 as the director of Economics, Trade, and Sustainability, leading work on issues related to international trade, competitiveness, and environmental sustainability within the $126 billion food and grocery sector.
In June 2017, she was appointed CEO, succeeding Gary Dawson. During her leadership, she was a vocal advocate for the industry, addressing challenges such as cost pressures, supply chain resilience, and sustainability.
The SPCA initiative has provided a framework for future circular systems, focusing on soft plastic recycling to reduce waste and increase sustainability. It is an industry-led initiative that addresses the challenges of managing soft plastic waste in Australia.
Designed and led by the AFGC, with input from industry partners, the stewardship program focuses on creating a circular economy for soft plastics, ensuring they are recycled instead of sent to landfill. It aims to reduce the environ-mental impact of plastic waste and contribute to Australia’s plastic recycling efforts.
This, and other initiatives launched during Barden’s tenure, will remain part of her legacy in the sector. AFGC’s chief operating officer, Colm Maguire, will assume the role of Interim CEO until a suitable successor is confirmed.
Maguire brings industry experience and knowledge of the AFGC’s operations to his new role. His appointment will ensure that the needs of AFGC’s members, partners, and staff are met while the organisation searches for a new CEO to drive its strategy forward.
The AFGC was established in 1995 to advocate for policies that promote industry growth, competitiveness, and sustainability. With a focus on enhancing supply chain resilience, improving regulatory standards, and fostering fair relationships between suppliers and retailers, the AFGC plays a vital role in shaping the future of the food and grocery sector in Australia.
The food and grocery industry remains a cornerstone of the Australian economy, contributing over $162 billion annually and employing more than 280,000 people across the nation. The AFGC’s vision is to double this contribution by 2030, creating a more sustainable and resilient sector.
The Council is committed to driving innovation in areas like sustainability, product safety, and consumer health, helping businesses navigate complex regulatory environments and ensuring that Australia’s food and grocery industry remains competitive on the global stage.
Through advocacy, support, and extensive industry collaboration, the AFGC continues to work towards building a stronger, and more sustainable future for Australia’s food and grocery supply chain.