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NEWS FOOD AND GROCERY MANUFACTURING: A $250B VISION FOR 2030 AMvision for doubling the size of the nation’s food and grocery manufacturing sector to $250 billion by 2030 is laid out in a report released by the Australian Food & Grocery Council (AFGC). ajor opportunities and “The sector’s growth is contingent to Australia’s agriculture sector. vulnerabilities as well as on significant investment – in Inaction, the report warns, could potential growth paths for new product development, not only mean missing the growth the sector are identified sustainable packaging, advanced opportunity, but risks a further offshoring in the ‘Sustaining Australia: Food manufacturing and digital of manufacturing and a decline in and Grocery Manufacturing 2030’ report produced by the AFGC with EQ Economics. Food and grocery manufacturing is described as having a strong presence in Australia, as the nation’s largest manufacturing sector, employing 276,000 people, with 40 per cent in rural and regional areas. The report says the sector has opportunities to grow, through exports and innovation, to meet rapidly changing consumer demand, including in the areas of health and wellness and sustainability. However, it adds, the sector has faced a number of challenges technologies – to boost the sector’s competitiveness, agility and resilience.” over the past decade that have hampered its profitability, investment and, therefore, future growth potential. According to the report, if a strategic approach to the sector’s future is taken, building on the positive direction taken by the federal government through the ‘Modern manufacturing strategy’ (MMS), then it has the potential to achieve a high growth path, which will deliver increased jobs, skills and economic output with flow-on benefits, including Australia’s long-term ability to meet its own food and grocery needs. AFGC CEO Tanya Barden says the report recommends steps to secure the future of the sector, including a new grants program to support the uptake of advanced manufacturing technologies, the development of new, sustainable packaging formats and equipment, and the creation of a high-tech training centre to give workers the skills to use advanced manufacturing equipment and emerging digital technologies. “Australia’s well-deserved ‘clean and green’ reputation will not be enough to ensure our sector remains competitive 4 RETAIL WORLD JUN, 2021