A new centre to help the state’s food and beverage businesses develop and deliver high value, market leading products is now operating from the Waite Campus.
The South Australian Food Innovation Centre – a State Government economic priority commitment – is a collaboration between State Government, industry, universities and research organizations.
Agriculture, Food and Fisheries Minister, Leon Bignell, said the world was rapidly changing and today’s food and beverage industry would be very different to tomorrow’s.
“We must adopt new ways to remain competitive. The Centre will maximize opportunities for our food and beverage businesses by supporting innovation and encouraging commercialization of new ideas and products. It will help create local jobs, grow South Australia’s exports and lead Australia in the development of robust and enduring export markets for our premium food and wine products,” said Leon Bignell.
The Minister added that the first stage of the Centre was focused on making it easier for food and beverage businesses to find out about, and connect with, the range of services currently provided.
“Businesses will be able to email or call the Centre’s dedicated telephone hotline to discuss their innovation needs. During the next few months, the foundation partners will help industry adopt new technology and explore how the centre could connect with the Northern Adelaide Food Park,” he mentioned.
The development of the Centre has involved major input from the Royal Agricultural and Horticultural Society of SA in bringing the partners together as well as support contribution from Primary Producers SA and the Economic Development Board.
Royal Agricultural and Horticultural Society President Richard Fewster said: “It is pleasing that we have such a strong coalition of partners that have committed to work collaboratively and strategically to develop the Centre now and into the future.”
Partners include Food South Australia, University of Adelaide, University of South Australia, SARDI, the Australian Wine Research Institute, and Food Innovation Australia Limited (FIAL).
“It is a real coup for South Australia to have FIAL on board and it brings state and national food programs together like never before. It will also assist South Australian businesses to have greater access to federal programs,” added Bignell.
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