The Australian Food & Grocery Council (AFGC) held an event in collaboration with Community for Greater Shepparton last week, to highlight the strength of food and grocery manufacturing in the area. The organisation is calling on government to better support these regional areas, responsible for so much of Australia’s manufacturing.
Food and grocery manufacturing is crucial to regional Australia, employing nearly 40 per cent of the sector’s 280,000-strong workforce. Greater Shepparton stands out as a key player – dubbed the “Food Bowl of Australia” – transforming locally sourced agricultural products into trusted Australians brands, and producing about 25 per cent of Victoria’s agricultural output.
From dairy products and canned fruits to instant soups and liquid fabric softeners, the region's diverse output reflects its strong manufacturing base.
AFGC CEO, Tanya Barden, said that manufacturing is important, but it cannot be taken for granted.
“(This) data highlights the significant size and importance of the food and beverage industry, but it also underscores the need for future investment to keep this sector competitive and robust,” said Barden.
“The government has a golden opportunity to leverage Australia’s natural agricultural endowments by supporting regions that process them into products.”
Data released by the AFGC showed food and grocery is the largest manufacturing sector of the Greater Shepparton region, which includes Moira, Shepparton and Campaspe, and the sector generates over $3 billion annually.
It accounts for 66.5 per cent of total manufacturing jobs in the region, with dairy and fruit & vegetable manufacturing holding product dominance, responsible for 52 per cent and 22 per cent of the sector respectively.
The sector, however, faces national challenges, including the need for a skilled workforce, energy security and resilient supply chains. As the world moves to a lower carbon economy, substantial investment will be needed to drive the clean energy and circular economy transitions and to adopt digital technologies to maintain global competitiveness.
The AFGC stated that it was calling on the government to back regions like Greater Shepparton through an investment tax incentive to enhance the future capability of this vital industry, ensuring it continues to sustain Australian jobs and the economy. The Future Made in Australia policy is one way government can unlock the manufacturing power of its regions.
Committee for Greater Shepparton CEO, Linda Nieuwenhuizen, said the region’s impact goes beyond producing fresh local produce.
“It’s about transforming products from farm to supermarket shelf through manufacturing. This is now the lifeblood of the region’s economy and employment,” said Nieuwenhuizen.
“We’re excited about our partnership with AFGC to showcase how essential food and grocery manufacturing is to our region, Victoria, and the nation.”
