The first Australian book to celebrate innovation in the food and agribusiness industry has been launched this week at the Australian Institute of Food Science & Technology conference, ‘The Pulse of the Industry’ at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.
The book ‘Celebrating Australian Food and Agribusiness Innovations’ published by Food Innovation Australia Ltd (FIAL), showcases 50 of the country’s leading innovations in agriculture, food, drink and packaging, as chosen by a panel of technical experts from industry, academia and research.
They range from automated food transport trolleys for hospitals and a blade stopping mechanism for band saws, to an enzyme system to extract more juice from apples, almond milk for use by baristas, and baked beans with added vegetables.
Chair of FIAL and the Food and Agribusiness Growth Centre, Peter Schutz, said Australian food and agribusiness companies rarely showcase their success stories, but the book shows they have plenty to be proud of.
“Innovations such as these contained in the book demonstrate that Australian companies are responding to changes across the global landscape,” Schutz said.
“Focused innovation will be critical to meet the fundamental food challenges of the next 20 years as identified in the CSIRO’s seven mega trends – issues such as renewability of resources, targeted nutrition, ageing and food functionality.”
New South Wales company, Fine Fettle, features in the book and is one of the companies responding to these opportunities by producing a nutritious food snack.
Schutz said the sky’s the limit for Australian innovators who are using creativity to “convert an idea into an invoice”.