Public inquiry in TAS to address food and beverage manufacturing challenges

Australia’s food and beverage industry will come under the spotlight as the House Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Resources prepares for its seventh public hearing into the sector.

The inquiry, which has garnered substantial interest with over 120 submissions to date, will feature testimonies from a diverse group of key stakeholders, including Australia’s first certified carbon-neutral distillery, a local business successfully exporting to the Asian market, and one of the country’s largest food manufacturers.

Committee Chair Rob Mitchell highlighted the significance of this hearing, stating, “The inquiry has received a lot of interest with over 120 submissions to date.”

“At the public hearing in Tasmania, the Committee will continue to hear from stakeholders to find out what the key challenges are right now for Australian food and beverage manufacturers,” Mitchell added.

Scheduled for Thursday, 1 August 2024, from 9:40 AM to 12:00 PM, the public hearing will be held in Committee Room 1 at the Parliament of Tasmania, located at 1 Salamanca Place, Hobart TAS 7000.

The witnesses for this session include Lark Distilling Co, known for its carbon-neutral credentials; Tasmania Fresh/Tas’Mania, a notable player in the local market; and Cadbury/Mondel. International, one of Australia’s largest food manufacturers.

The inquiry aims to delve into the current challenges facing the Australian food and beverage manufacturing sector and explore potential pathways for growth and improvement.