According to a landmark new report by the Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC) and KPMG, Australia’s food and grocery sector contributes more than $100 billion a year in turnover to the national economy and employs about 315,000 people with half in rural and regional areas.
The “State of the Industry 2009″ report, launched by the Federal Agriculture Minister Tony Burke in Canberra, is the first-ever economic snapshot of the food and grocery sector and highlights the importance to both the manufacturing sector and Australia’s growing economy. In addition, the report reveals current trends and future challenges for businesses.
Click here to view the article on the Australian Food Network website.
Click here to download the report on the Australian Food & Grocery Council website.
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Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry’s Australian Food Statistics 2008 Report
Congratulations to Victoria’s Jindi Cheese who has received international acclaim winning four gold medals at the prestigious annual Guild of Fine Food World Cheese Awards held in the Canary Islands, off the northwest coast of Africa.
The Baking Industry Association of Victoria (BIAV) is now introducing training programs. Beginning on the 20th of October, BIAV’s training is tailor made for the baking industry, combining online and face-to-face training methods. BIAV provides “baking industry” specific, accredited training from Food Safety and Cert III in Retail and Hospitality to Cert IV in Front Line Management for Bakery and Diploma of Business Management for Bakery – sign up now!
As the recipient of the ISS Institute’s Fellowship, Stephen Pinnuck undertook an overseas study program in Canada, the USA and Europe to gain a comprehensive understanding in the field of sourdough production and preparation, production and processing technologies. Even though currently a small market, the artisan baking is rapidly growing into mass production. At the end of his Fellowship trip, Stephen realised the disjointed approach that Australia’s Baking Industry and learning institutions have in the artisan and soursough bread areas and the need for more training, resources and mentoring. Stephen’s report is now available for download.
The VFITB AGM was held on the 8th of October at the Australasian Meat Industry Employees Union office in Lygon St. It was announced that Collin Ross would take over the role as Chair of the Executive Committee and Alan Maguire would become Deputy Chair. Tom Hale and Michael Hedley will continue serving as Executive Committee members.