NSW Government releases food manufacturing strategy

The NSW Government has launched the NSW Food and Beverage Industry Development Strategy to help boost the food manufacturing sector.

The strategy will support collaboration between government, industry, researchers and training institutions to enable NSW food and beverage manufacturers to make the most of export opportunities.

It sets out targeted initiatives to build business capability and accelerate growth in niche and emerging markets by assisting SMEs to access and become established in new domestic and export markets. It also aims to support the workforce of the future by attracting employees with the right skills, and attract investment in NSW.

“Around 3600 food and beverage manufacturers employ nearly 70,000 people in NSW, making it the largest employer of any manufacturing sector in the state,” said Minister for Trade and Industry Niall Blair. “A strong food and beverage manufacturing sector means jobs across the state and especially in regional NSW. Growing exports from our food and beverage manufacturing sector also benefits our farmers, who see even greater demand for their products at farm gate.”

A booming middle class in Asia is driving demand for high-quality food and beverage products, according to the Minister.

“We have an international reputation for clean, green and safe food, and consumers around the world are clamoring for our products.”

In 2016–17, NSW firms generated more than 30% of the nation’s food and beverage sales income, totalling more than $30 billion. NSW exports of processed food also grew more than 10% in the five years to 2016–17, totalling $4.4 billion. The strategy aims to lay the foundations for the industry to remain a source of economic strength in NSW.

It will build on the initiatives set out in the NSW Advanced Manufacturing Industry Development Strategy launched in 2018.

The full strategy can be accessed here.

Image credit: ©Dmitry Vereshchagin/Dollar Photo Club