Exhibiting at Thaifex - Anuga Asia 2025

Food South Australia Inc. is the peak industry body representing South Australia’s dynamic food and beverage sector. As a non-profit, industry-led organization based in Urrbrae, South Australia, it operates with the mission to support the growth, sustainability, and global competitiveness of the state’s food and beverage businesses.

Core Mission and Offerings

Food South Australia acts as a unifying platform and facilitator for local producers, processors, and exporters. It provides services tailored to help businesses scale through strategic support, industry development programs, and international market access.

Key Program Areas:

• Industry Support Programs:

  • Business Development Support: Training and mentoring to strengthen operational capabilities
  • Export Readiness and Market Access: Assistance in preparing companies for international trade
  • Strategic Partnerships: Industry-led collaborations to drive growth

• Membership Services:

  • Access to networking events and peer-to-peer knowledge exchange
  • Advocacy and government liaison on regulatory and industry matters
  • Support for startups through scale-up pathways and innovation funding

• Events:

  • Trade Shows: Domestic and international exposure through pavilions and showcases
  • South Australian Premier’s Food and Beverage Industry Awards
  • Webinars and Industry Briefings covering trends, regulations, and global market shifts

• Resources and Reports:

  • Market intelligence and industry data
  • Sustainability toolkits and environmental compliance guides
  • Business capability and workforce development programs

Unique Selling Proposition

Food South Australia provides a sector-wide support structure designed and led by the industry itself. Their role bridges the gap between government policy, business need, and global opportunity.

• Only sector-wide organization in South Australia dedicated to food & beverage
• Strong alignment with South Australian Government trade and investment initiatives
• Active promotion of regional food identity through the Eat Local SA brand
• Facilitator of cross-sector collaborations with agribusiness, packaging, and technology partners

Market Reach and Economic Impact

Food South Australia supports over 200 member companies ranging from micro-businesses to multinational exporters.

• South Australia’s food and beverage industry contributes over AUD 11.3 billion annually to the state economy
• The association helps connect local producers with buyers in Asia-Pacific, Middle East, Europe, and North America
• Programs have led to double-digit export growth for select members over multi-year periods

Their export facilitation work is critical in linking regional producers with high-value international channels, especially in premium categories such as wine, dairy, seafood, and value-added produce.

Target Membership and Stakeholders

The organization’s services are designed for:

• Food and beverage manufacturers (SMEs to large enterprises)
• Agribusiness and value-added food producers
• Export-ready and startup food brands
• Food service, hospitality, and retail suppliers
• Government and trade bodies focused on economic development

Their membership model includes strategic and associate tiers for customized support levels.

Strategic Programs and Initiatives

• South Australian Food and Beverage Export Hub: Coordinating export training and matchmaking
• Eat Local SA Campaign: Connecting consumers with producers through retail, tourism, and foodservice
• Sustainability Framework: Helping members reduce carbon emissions and packaging waste

Leadership and Governance

Led by Chief Executive Officer Tori Dixon-Whittle, the organization is governed by an industry-based board and supported by a team of sector experts.

Their leadership is recognized for:

• Proactive engagement with government
• Strong advocacy voice for SMEs
• Supportive mentorship environment for women in food leadership

Industry Testimonials

“Food South Australia has been instrumental in helping us understand the export process and navigate new markets.”
– Managing Director, Regional Gourmet Producer

“Their events and reports give us the foresight we need to stay ahead in an evolving market.”
– Commercial Director, Beverage Manufacturer

Achievements

• Launched the Eat Local SA directory, with over 500 listed local food destinations
• Partnered with Austrade to promote SA products at Gulfood, SIAL, and Food & Hotel Asia
• Facilitated millions of dollars in trade deals through curated B2B programs
• Delivered capability training to over 1,000 participants annually

Food South Australia Inc. continues to strengthen the global profile of South Australian food and beverage producers by offering impactful support, deep industry insight, and a collaborative ecosystem that drives innovation and trade success.