30 Apr 2025

The vital role of localised manufacturing in Australia’s food and beverage sector

Australia’s food and beverage industry is a global powerhouse, renowned for its high-quality produce and innovative spirit.

This sector is not only a vital contributor to our national economy, generating $31.8 billion in gross value-added in 2022-23, but also a crucial component of our national food security.

However, in complex and volatile global landscape, ensuring the sector’s continued prosperity necessitates a strategic shift towards localised manufacturing, a move that transcends economic considerations and touches upon national resilience and sustainability.

The recent Australian Government report on food and beverage manufacturing underscores this critical need.

The report highlights the sector’s significant contribution to the national economy and its vital role in ensuring food security. It also emphasises the challenges posed by global supply chain disruptions, climate change, and evolving consumer preferences.

These challenges emphasises the importance of bolstering domestic manufacturing capabilities, making the sector more resilient to external shocks and better positioned to capitalise on emerging opportunities.

One company demonstrating a commitment to localised support is Burkert. With a strategic presence across key Australian states, Burkert offers Australian food and beverage manufacturers readily accessible expertise and prompt service.

This proximity is invaluable for minimising downtime, facilitating swift resolution of technical issues, and reducing the logistical complexities associated with relying on overseas suppliers – a critical advantage, especially during times of global uncertainty.

Burkert Australia doesn’t merely provide reactive support; the company actively partners with Australian manufacturers to drive innovation and efficiency. Burkert has provided tailored automation solutions resulting in significant successes for the food and beverage industry.

For Treasury Wine Estates, Burkert implemented a digitally transformed network for a new tank farm using IO-Link-enabled Type 8801 ELEMENT On/Off Valve Systems. This resulted in improved control and management of the winery, reduced maintenance, enhanced safety through automated tank vent valve activation, and centralised management from a single hub.

For Natec (formerly Gold Peg International), a manufacturer of continuous cooking systems, Burkert’s Type 8801 angle seat valves and Type 8802 globe valves with digital positioners enabled efficient temperature control, CIP isolation, and seamless global service and support, enhancing the reliability and performance of Natec’s equipment.

These examples showcase Burkert’s ability to deliver flexible, scalable, and future-proof solutions leveraging Industry 4.0 technologies, ultimately improving efficiency, safety, and sustainability for its clients.

The benefits of localised manufacturing extend far beyond immediate operational efficiencies. Maintaining a strong domestic production base enhances Australia’s food security, lessening reliance on potentially volatile global supply chains.

This is particularly important when posed by potential macro environmental disruptions that are unavoidable by local manufacturers. Localised production strengthens supply chain reliability, mitigating risks associated with international shipping delays and price fluctuations, thereby safeguarding against future disruptions.

Furthermore, the report highlights the considerable export potential of the Australian food and beverage industry. Our reputation for producing safe, clean, and green products allows Australian manufacturers to command premium prices in international markets.

Companies like Burkert, through their localised expertise and collaborative approach, can significantly contribute to helping these companies expand their reach into global markets and maximise export revenue, as highlighted in the report’s discussion of export opportunities and the key markets for Australian food products.

The government’s commitment to supporting the sector through initiatives like the Industry Growth Program and the National Reconstruction Fund also strengthens the argument for localised manufacturing.

These programs provide essential resources to support innovation, build domestic capabilities, and enable companies to embrace sustainable manufacturing practices. Burkert’s partnerships and commitment to collaborative projects align perfectly with the aims of these government initiatives.

“When a customer approaches [us] with their standard equipment list, it is important to know that we have an existing relationship with Burkert to support the customer and therefore be successful in the project,” said Didier Henri, project engineer, Natec (formerly Gold Peg International).

A thriving localised food and beverage manufacturing sector is not merely an economic imperative but a strategic necessity for Australia’s future. By prioritising domestic production, fostering innovation, and embracing sustainable practices, we can ensure the long-term resilience and success of this vital industry.

Companies like Burkert, with their commitment to localised support and collaborative innovation, are key partners in achieving this crucial goal.