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Overview
The Australian food and beverage industry is recognised worldwide for its, variety, high quality, healthy image, innovative manufacturing and packaging technologies. The diversity of foodstuffs available from Australia is huge and comprises grains, meats, dairy products, seafood, fruit and vegetables, bakery goods, olive oil, wine and other beverages, confectionery plus a host of individual gourmet treats and specialty lines.
Climatic differences within the Australian continent from the tropical north to cooler south contribute to the range of produce grown in the country and abundance of ingredients available for further processing. Located in the southern hemisphere, Australia can also offer counter seasonal produce to northern hemisphere markets.
Ethnic and cultural diversity in Australia is reflected in the food range available with many European, Asian and Middle Eastern influenced specialty products. Australian food producers can also cater to specific consumer needs in terms of certification such as certified organic, kosher or halal foods.
The processed food and beverage industry is the largest manufacturing sector in Australia with approximately 20 per cent share of value added by Australian industry. Following a two year down-turn, Australian food exports grew by almost nine per cent to A$24 billon in 2004-05. This accounted for 19 per cent of total Australian merchandise exports, demonstrating the importance of the food industry to the national economy.
The grains, meat, wine and dairy products industries have contributed significantly to the absolute growth in Australia’s food export earnings. For instance meat accounted for nearly 30 per cent of the total value of food exports in 2004-05, grains around 20 per cent and wine has continued to increase to 11 per cent (in 1990-91 wine’s contribution was two per cent).
(Source: Australian Food Statistics 2005 – Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry)
Key opportunities
The number one driver of the worldwide food industry is the desire by consumers for fresher, healthier and more nutritious foods such as organic, chemical and additive free and nutritionally rich products.
Because of Australia’s reputation as a clean, healthy and disease-free environment, exporters have a competitive edge over other countries and the opportunity to take advantage of the trend.
Consumers are also looking for convenience and fast foods without sacrificing flavour, quality and nutritious ingredients. There is demand for differentiated food categories such as organic foods, and functional foods which cut across many of the main product categories. Increased consumer awareness of product and ingredient origins is also driving growth for minimally-processed foods.
Due to a number of well-publicised health scares, food quality and safety issues are more important to consumers. This has triggered developments leading to an increased application of quality assurance programs to assure product traceability and safety.
Japan and the US remain the biggest markets for the Australian food industry but other destinations have grown in importance over recent years and are providing key opportunities for exporters.
For example, the shares of exports going to both Indonesia and the United Kingdom increased from two per cent in 1990-91 to five per cent in 2004-05, to China from three per cent to five per cent, the Republic of Korea from four per cent to six per cent and both New Zealand and Malaysia from two per cent to four per cent.
Australia has benefited from the capacity to supply high quality food products not only to relatively close Pacific Rim markets, but has also established a growing presence in more distant markets such as Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom over the past fifteen years.
(Source: Australian Food Statistics 2005 – Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry)
How can we help you?
With a worldwide network of highly experienced and qualified staff, Austrade provides a number of dedicated and tailored services to Australian exporters.
Austrade offers practical advice, market intelligence and ongoing support (including financial) to
Australian businesses looking to develop international markets. Austrade also provides advice and guidance on overseas investment and joint venture opportunities, and helps put Australian businesses in contact with potential overseas investors.
For further information please contact Austrade on 13 28 78 or email info@austrade.gov.au.
Useful links and contacts
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Last updated: 1 Oct 2008
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