Productivity on the agenda for food and grocery manufacturing

The Australian Food & Grocery Council (AFGC) said it is ready to work with government to build a stronger, more productive and more secure Australian manufacturing sector.

Being the largest manufacturing sector in Australia, AFGC was pleased about Minister for Industry and Innovation Tim Ayres’s recognition of the food and grocery manufacturing sector as a key voice in the nation’s conversation about productivity. 

AFGC Chair Bernie Brooke said: “This is the right conversation at the right time. We welcome the government’s focus and stand ready to work together with industry and government to unlock growth.

“Australia needs to move with urgency to invest in productivity gains for us to maintain our globally competitive and resilient manufacturing base.”

For food and grocery manufacturers, AFGC said that means action in a few priority areas:

1. Reducing regulatory burden.
2. Strengthening supply chain and transport infrastructure.
3. Ensuring a reliable, affordable energy supply.

Even modest improvements could deliver flow-on benefits across the value chain, boosting competitiveness and reinforcing Australia’s food sovereignty in an increasingly uncertain global environment.

The sector has set a goal to grow to $250 billion by 2030. That ambition depends on smart collaboration, targeted investment and a national commitment to innovation. Energy remains one of the biggest barriers to growth. Without reliable and cost-effective energy, the sector’s future is at risk.

AFGC has now made its submission to Treasury on productivity.

Image credit: iStock.com/Vital Hil