In this episode, Food & Drink Business editor Kim Berry is joined by Dominic Westendorf, the Regional and Agribusiness Banking Victoria GM for CommBank, and the CEO of Ferndale Foods Australia, Leigh Edward, to discuss the valuable role and benefits of regional food and beverage manufacturing.

Leigh tells us about Ferndale Foods, and how its foundations are as much in Ballarat as in his family (Ferndale was founded by his father). He shares insights on the benefits of being regionally based, from cheaper industrial land enabling more capital for equipment and operations, to a local workforce and the added benefits that flow into a community from having larger companies in town.

Dominic talks about his passion for regional business and shares some of the findings of the latest CommBank Regional Manufacturing Report. While higher interest rates and energy costs persist, the report found 89 per cent of regional manufacturers and distributors were confident about future conditions and were more bullish than their city counterparts on expecting revenue and profit uplifts in the year ahead.

Leigh and Dominic talk about the value in having a working relationship where both parties have a thorough knowledge of the local, regional, and macro-economic factors as well as the business.

Leigh provides some insights into the process of growing Ferndale twice – an $11m investment to install marshmallow production and $23m for a snack bar line.

LINKS:

Sponsored by CommBank

commbank.com.au/manufacturing

Ferndale Foods:

ferndaleconfectionery.com.au

------------------------------

The Food & Drink Business Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Food & Drink Business, owned and published by Yaffa Media (www.foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au).

The views of the people featured on this podcast do not necessarily represent the views of Food & Drink Business, Yaffa Media, or the guest’s employer.

The contents are copyright by Yaffa Media.

If you wish to use any of this podcast’s audio, please contact Food & Drink Business via their website www.foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au or send an email to editor@foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au

Host: Kim Berry

MC: Grant McHerron

Producer: Steve Visscher

------------------------------

Things you should know:

Guests featured in the podcast are speaking from their personal experiences only. As this podcast has been prepared without considering your objectives, financial situation or needs, you should, before acting on the content, consider its appropriateness to your circumstances. CommBank does not necessarily endorse the views of a particular individual or guarantee the accuracy of the information provided.

Any opinions, conclusions or recommendations made are subject to change without notice. Projects and forecasts are based on a number of assumptions and estimates and are subject to contingencies. Commonwealth Bank does not accept any liability for loss or damage arising out of the use of all or any part of the research.

The CommBank Manufacturing insights report can be found by searching CommBank Manufacturing Insights on the CommBank website.

©2024 Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124 AFSL and Australian credit licence 234945.

In this episode, Food & Drink Business editor, Kim Berry, talks to Jed Simpfendorfer and Dr Ro Mueller from market research firm, Tgarage, about what Australian consumers are thinking and how that impacts food and beverage businesses.

The discussion explores Tgarage’s most recent insights into consumer behaviours and the tension point between trying to reduce spending but still wanting moments of joy and ways to connect. Jed and Ro breakdown the unfolding shift from spending on entertainment and going out, to the premiumisation of supermarket goods and entertaining at home. Jed discusses the idea of nostalgia and how at times of trying to reduce spending, consumers will avoid buying new items and instead return to the familiar, even products from their childhood.

The episode ends with a discussion on how humans have firmly shown, that when faced with making a decision using rational logic or emotional engagement, the emotional will always drive the purchase.

LINKS:

Sponsored by CommBank

commbank.com.au/manufacturing

Tgarage:

tgarage.com.au

------------------------------

The Food & Drink Business Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Food & Drink Business, owned and published by Yaffa Media (www.foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au).

The views of the people featured on this podcast do not necessarily represent the views of Food & Drink Business, Yaffa Media, or the guest’s employer.

The contents are copyright by Yaffa Media.

If you wish to use any of this podcast’s audio, please contact Food & Drink Business via their website www.foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au or send an email to editor@foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au

Host: Kim Berry

MC: Grant McHerron

Producer: Steve Visscher

Editor: Chris Visscher

Food & Drink Business - © 2024

In this episode, Food & Drink Business editor, Kim Berry, talks to Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology (AIFST) CEO, Fiona Fleming, about the critical role of food science and Australia’s food and beverage industry.

We start with an overview of AIFST, as a not-for-profit industry body with the goal to advance and inspire all food sector professionals through education, collaboration, and recognition to champion a robust, innovative science based Australian food industry to meet future food needs. The discussion reviews the major changes in food science, the valuable education publications AIFST has available, and some of the major topics discussed at the AIFST24 Convention. The discussion also explores AIFST’s commitment to supporting and fostering the careers of the next generation of food scientists, the focus on improving food safety and technology, and the necessity for a national food plan.

We wrap up with a call out to the industry to further invest in food science and collaboration with others in the industry.

LINKS:

Sponsored by CommBank

commbank.com.au/manufacturing

Australian Institute of Food Science & Technology (AIFST)

www.aifst.asn.au

------------------------------

The Food & Drink Business Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Food & Drink Business, owned and published by Yaffa Media (www.foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au).

The views of the people featured on this podcast do not necessarily represent the views of Food & Drink Business, Yaffa Media, or the guest’s employer.

The contents are copyright by Yaffa Media.

If you wish to use any of this podcast’s audio, please contact Food & Drink Business via their website www.foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au or send an email to editor@foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au

Host: Kim Berry

MC: Grant McHerron

Producer: Steve Visscher

Editor: Chris Visscher

Food & Drink Business - © 2024