“Quicklook” Assessment of Greater Adelaide's Assets & Challenges ...

THE SOUTH AUSTRALIAN FOOD INDUSTRY
The South Australian food industry in the State’s biggest export earner. The industry
spans all the regions of Southern Australia and comprises greater than 15,000 farmers
and fishers, 400 processors and employs thousands throughout the market chain.
The South Australian food industry is focused on the growing and competitive global
market and is in the midst of its plans to grow from 2 billion a year (1999 figures) to 15
billion per year by 2010. The global food market generates greater than $US2700
billion/yr., and Asia, alone, is greater than 16 billion/yr. See http://www.food.sa.gov.au
Strengths
• Clean and green reputation
• Australia seen as a safe haven for meat (all plants EU and USDA compliant)
• Beginning cluster projects to network group of growers for export demands
• Money not an issue – money available if there is a market
• Seen as a “Food Gourmet” state – new flavor with sustained quality
• Growing education program for Food Industry
• Food Adelaide brings together groups of companies for their own representation
in the market
• Food for the Future Council – an industry/government partnership at the highest
level – a team of visionary and successful industry leaders who have developed
initiatives and strategies in: export facilitation, quality food, innovation and
technology, strategic investment and industry culture and promotion.
Weaknesses
• Lack of market focus
• “Push” to market instead of “Pull”
• Import duties on lamb by US
• Large companies denied access to support
• Transportation of goods to market
• Shortage of shipping food containers
• Airline availability and curfew times of flights limit market advantage
Opportunities
• Development of “take back” project associated with “clean and green”. This refers
to packaging and recycling issues at the end of a product’s cycle.
• Aging population could provide opportunity for the younger generation via needs
and services.
• Education in Food Industry still in infancy.
• Creating the critical mass and support for the food industry similar to the wine
industry received.
• Provide exciting projects to attract people to the business
Threats
• International pressures to perform.
With the many strengths of the food industry, the weaker areas can be overcome via
collaboration of the private sector, the governmental sector and the integration of both
with the following:
COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE
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