Local food, beverage and agribusiness industries will get a boost with the creation of a new regional network to help them develop markets and take advantage of export opportunities.
The City of Greater Geelong and Geelong Manufacturing Council (GMC) announced the new Food and Agribusiness Network at the GMC Exports Forum, held on Wednesday, September 24 at Wurriki Nyal Civic Precinct.
With food and beverage manufacturing accounting for nearly 20 per cent of the 10,000 manufacturing jobs in the region, mayor Stretch Kontelj said Geelong’s agribusiness industries had “all the right ingredients to grow our reputation as an international city”.
“Our manufacturing and agribusiness export history is rich, with many amazing business success stories supplying Geelong’s products to Australia and the world,” Mayor Kontelj said.
“The Food and Agribusiness Network will provide opportunities to increase interconnectivity within the industry as well as sharing practical knowledge.”
GMC chief executive Jenn Conley said her organisation was proud to partner with the City to launch the network.
“Our region is home to some outstanding food and agribusiness manufacturers,” she said.
“This network will help harness that experience by fostering stronger industry connections and creating opportunities to share the incredible knowledge and expertise that exists here.
“The Food and Agribusiness Network will deliver a range of initiatives – including industry tours, events, and briefings – focused on sharing practical insights into advanced manufacturing processes, business growth, commercial operations, supply chain and export development.”
Councillor Rowan Story said the partnership with GMC was an exciting new step for local manufacturers.
“We encourage all food, beverage and agribusiness processors and manufacturers to register their interest with Geelong Manufacturing Council,” Cr Story said.
