Consumers should put their money where their mouth is and buy Australian, AMAG CEO says

Australians need to step up and support Australian growers and manufacturers. This was the call Ian Harrison, Australian Made Chief Executive, made in response to research that shows Australians are indifferent about where their clothing, furniture, hardware and household appliances are made.

However, recent research by Roy Morgan shows that Australian consumers are keen to buy local when it comes to the food and beverage industry, with 87% having a strong preference for buying Australian food and beverages. The research, commissioned by the Australian Made Campaign, showed that consumers want more visible country-of-origin labelling, clearer regulations and stronger standardisation on country-of-origin labelling.

Recognition of the AMAG label is at 98%.

Almost half of all respondents said they struggle to determine whether a product is Australian made and grown, but 88% have confidence that the Australian Made, Australian Grown (AMAG) logo means that a product is Australian.

“With recognition of the logo at an all-time high of 98%, the AMAG logo is still the country-of-origin identifier Australian consumers know and trust best,” Harrison said.

Consumers cited support for Australian growers and manufacturers as their reason for buying Australian over imported, but this attitude failed to carry through to more expensive purchases like furniture and household appliances.

“We know Australian consumers want to support our local growers and manufacturers - but if they’re serious about doing that they need to change their purchase behaviours,” Harrison said.

“If they remain indifferent about where their products come from, more manufacturing and processing will move offshore, putting Australians across many industries out of work,” Harrison warned.