IN other Australian states, the food and agriculture debate centres on boosting production and increasing exports, but South Australia is prioritising food and beverages for the local market, and reaping the economic benefits.

Investing in local food and beverage producers and manufacturers makes economic sense and, according to Primary Industries and Regions South Australia (PIRSA), this sector could become the largest employer in the state. Around 65,000 people are employed in South Australia’s food and beverage industry, which is 1.15 times the combined workforce of our manufacturing sectors, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, as at February 2018.

The industry has shown consistent growth year-on -year for more than 20 years and there are around 1000 businesses manufacturing food and beverages in South Australia. The 2016-17 PIRSA ScoreCard shows a healthy $1.33 billion increase in revenue for the food sector, which is on track to reach record levels of $19.9 billion this financial year. We have an opportunity to capitalise on the industry’s proven agility and responsiveness to global consumer trends in food in the state and underpin a brighter economic future for SA.

According to Food South Australia, a significant number of food manufacturers have built their growth strategies on the increasing consumer demand for gourmet, artisan products and healthier snack alternatives. Having said that, the sector is not without its challenges, including increased business costs associated with utilities and compliance.

South Australia has some of the highest retail electricity prices in Australia and this is a huge contributor to overheads for those in the food and beverage industry.

Recently announced government assistance programs have included new eligibility criteria, opening these programs up to many more businesses, ranging from sole traders and start-ups through to large established companies. Key stakeholders in the industry are now working together to create an environment that will foster successful collaboration and innovation.

Statewide Super works with the food and beverage industry in SA to assist with supporting and sustaining this growth sector, of which a key component is our strong partnership with Food South Australia.

Food South Australia is an independent, industry-led and membership-based organisation representing small, medium and large food and beverage manufacturing companies in South Australia, which aligns with Statewide Super’s business model.

Our partnership with Food South Australia has grown over the past two years and we have been proud to support the South Australian Food Industry Awards Program.

The Statewide Super Consumer Award enables South Australian consumers to vote for their favourite South Australian food business and helps to drive consumer recognition and engagement with South Australian brands.

Many of the businesses in this sector are privately-owned family businesses. Statewide Super offers them important local personal support along with providing advice, help, education and general superannuation information to their valued employees, giving them comfort in knowing their financial future and retirement is in good hands.

Debbie Sterrey is general manager, business development at Statewide Super