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Opportunities for food and beverages

20 August 2009

The South Australian horticulture industry is well placed to take advantage of strong consumer demand globally, according to a new report.

The South Australian Fruit, Vegetables and Nuts Market Summary, which highlights international trends and consumer preferences in the fruit, vegetable and nut industries, has been launched in Adelaide by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, Paul Caica.

"This report is very significant because it's filling an information gap from a market perspective that will enable producers and investors to approach production from a more competitive position," Mr Caica says. 

" This level of detail about consumer preferences has not previously been gathered and presented to the horticulture industry, so the document is an extremely valuable reference tool for them to use into the future.

"It highlights the opportunities available for South Australian food and beverage producers regarding new markets, new products and new innovation.

"Key aspects for the future growth of our food and beverage industry include gaining a better understanding of consumers and keeping ourselves informed about global market trends," Mr Caica says.

"The horticulture industry has been growing steadily over the last five years, contributing more than $2.4 billion to the State's food revenue last year.

"South Australia is well positioned to expand this growth producing over 50 different products with strong demand around the world.

"Horticulture has been challenged by the impact of the drought, as well as changing industry structures and input cost pressures, but as this report highlights, market opportunities continue to remain strong," Mr Caica says.

The report has been produced by the PIRSA Market Intelligence Unit, which was established under the South Australian Food Plan 2007-2010.

The SA Food Plan is working towards achieving the target of 8% annual growth in the value of finished foods.

The food industry contributes $11.5 billion to the South Australian economy and employs 145,000 people.

Copies of the report are available on line at www.safoodcentre.com.au