Welcome to the fifth edition of One Voice, the user-friendly, new e-newsletter designed for AFGC members. For your benefit, AFGC has re-designed this publication to be more user-friendly and interactive - note the addition of YouTube videos and links to audio interviews.
DIARY DATES
> AFGC Roadshow – 10 - 13 August - Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide. For more details and for the schedule, click here >> >Banksia Awardspresentation– AFGC’s Agriculture and Food Award - From Paddock to Plate Sustainably will be presented on 15 October at Sydney Town Hall. More details click here >> > ECRA Conference – Two-day conference from 21-22 October in Melbourne. Download your copy of the conference program > AFGC Industry Leaders’ event – Annual Industry Leaders' Conference and Dinner on 27 October in Canberra. More details coming soon!
SUBMISSIONS/REPORTS
A New Food Guidance System for Australia – Foundation and Total Diets AFGC members are encouraged to participate in the 2009/10 year's Sustainability Report. For a copy of the Excel survey document, please contact
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Click here to read more media releases issued by AFGC.
AFGC NEWS
AFGC hits the road for membership seminars - come join us! To highlight AFGC's membership services and recent success in industry advocacy, the organisation will host a Member Roadshow in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide between 10 to 13 August. The information roadshow will provide current and existing members with a comprehensive, up-to-the-minute analysis of the national political landscape and a detailed overview of AFGC’s activities in driving major policy issues. Some of the topics to be covered include:
Election fever and the opportunity for putting the food and grocery industry front and centre in the national policy framework
Food regulatory reform including an update on the Review of Food Labelling Law and Policy
Preventative health and how AFGC is demonstrating that collective industry actions can lead to more healthy eating by consumers
Sustainability – emissions trading legislation and palm oil issues
Retailer relationships identifying supply chain efficiencies and helping companies better manage their relationships with retailers.
Be quick to register for the roadshow click here >> or for more information, contact
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Your help needed NOW on election advocacy With the Federal election wellunderway across the country, AFGC members are again being urgedto contact AFGC withany opportunities or innovations that are occurring at their factories which could help lift industry's profile. These events could involve local Federal and State MPs to highlight the importance of Australia’s $100 billion food and grocery manufacturing sector. During the election campaign, Federal MPs and candidates will be looking for opportunities to work with industry and visit factory locations for photo opportunities which can benefit your organisation. Holding an event – for example, to launch new machinery or a sustainable project at the factory– is an important way to engage MPs. For more information or to notify us of your event, contact AFGC’s Brad Watts (02) 62731466 or
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To gain more information about this election strategy, click here>>
Enter AFGC's Banksia Award - hurry entries close on 2 August Time is running out to enter AFGC's Banksia Award to celebrate success and achievement in sustainability outcomes in the food and grocery sector. If you organisation has achieved recent sustainability success and is looking to enter the prestigious Banksia Awards - which are proudly supported by the Prime Minister - click here >> (see events section below for more information as well)
Environment Minister’s support another report on CDL Australia’s Environment Ministers on 5 July chose to fund another study into a national Container Deposit Legislation (CDL) system as well as “a number of options which may have a positive cost benefit and a tangible impact on recovery rates and litter reduction” in Australia. At a meeting in Darwin, Australia’s Environment Ministers commissioned a Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) into a national CDL as well as kerbside and away-from-home recycling. AFGC Chief Executive Kate Carnell said while industry will fully cooperate with the RIS process, industry questioned why Ministers needed another study on the merits and effectiveness of a national CDL, which offered a narrow approach to recycling and waste. “It’s hard to see what value Environment Ministers will get from another study, especially after the last one by the BDA Group, which estimated the cost of a national CDL to be a massive $680 million a year following an error in the original economic costs,” Ms Carnell said. During the EPHC meeting, Ministers released a Communique that agreed to a strengthened Australian Packaging Covenant (APC), which commenced on 1 July this year. More about the APC here: www.apc.org.au To read the full the Communique, click here >>
Australia’s food sector signs up to RSPO AFGC has become Australia’s first industry association to gain membership to the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), the world’s leading not-for-profit organisation supporting sustainable use and production of palm oil. The RSPO was established by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), industry stakeholders and NGOs in 2004. The industry-led association – with more than 400 members worldwide – has established a rigorous set of principles and requirements for palm oil farmers to produce sustainable palm oil. More info www.rspo.org AFGC Chief Executive Kate Carnell said many Australian food and grocery manufacturers have already made a commitment to sourcing and using sustainable, certified palm oil and AFGC’s RSPO membership consolidates this move. “Industry strongly supports the need to produce and source palm oil in a more sustainable way, minimising environmental impact of growing this important product,” Ms Carnell said. AFGC’s sister body in New Zealand, the FGC was the first grocery sector industry association in the world to join the RSPO.
Food recalls lowest in five years The lowest number of Australian food recalls in the past five years were recorded in the 2009/10 financial year, according to the latest year-on-year statistics from Food Standards Australia (FSANZ). Recalls due to processing faults and the presence of foreign matter showed the most improved results, with 2009/10 period highlighting the lowest number of foreign matter recalls since 2005/06, the FSANZ data shows (see chart right) Recalls due to bacterial contamination and the presence of allergens not declared on packaged food labels continue to dominate as the major cause of recalls during 2009/10.
New packaging language A new report called A Global Language for Packaging and Sustainability by the Consumer Goods Forum outlines a framework and measurement system that trading partners can use to make informed decisions about packaging and sustainability. The report includes feedback from 84 stakeholders including manufacturers, retailers, packaging converters, trade associations, academics and consultants. There was also input from ECR Europe, the European Organization for Packaging and the Environment (EUROPEN), the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) and the Sustainable Packaging Coalition (SPC). AFGC is a member of the Global Packaging Project and will monitor developments to ensure they align with the revised Australian Packaging Covenant and the Sustainable Packaging Guidelines. For more information contact
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AFGC Joint Forums AFGC hosted a Joint Fourms session in Sydney on July 7, which highlighted the industry's size and importance as well as current issues affecting food and grocery. To find out more, watch the latest YouTube video below.
EU retailers sign green code European retailers have signed a voluntary environmental code for the retail sector by committing to a set of principles and measures aimed at reducing their environmental footprint. The retail signatories to the voluntary Retail Code for Environmentally Sustainable Business share the aim of promoting sustainable production and consumption. See the code, click here >> Following this move, AFGC’s Sustainable Practices Committee is developing a collaborative sustainability scheme to improve efficiency and communication as a priority for the next 12 months. For more information contact
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New face joins AFGC’s sustainability team Angela McClowry has joined AFGC as a Sustainability Policy Analyst. With more than eight years experience in sustainability, environment and corporate responsibility, Angela will work closely with AFGC’s Director of Sustainability Tony Mahar. Angela has previously worked for Timbercorp in Melbourne, British Energy in London and global consulting firm ERM in Chicago. She is also a co-founder of Open-Sustainability, a collaborative sustainability governance framework. Her recent projects include consulting to PepsiCo and Quaker's Sustainability team on their work to meet climate change targets. Angela has a Bachelor of Applied Science in Natural Resource Management from Deakin University.
Managing change effectively Australia’s food and grocery industry faces continuous change, driven by a wide range of challenges from economic, political, environmental and other dynamics. To successfully meet these challenges, a company’s organisational and individual capability must constantly evolve to keep pace and deliver business success. AFGC is working with Harris Smith, a management consultancy focussed on individual and organisational transition, to ensure you meet these challenges. Harris Smith has expertise in transition and extensive executive management experience within the food and grocery industry. They currently work with several AFGC members. More information, call David Hall on (02) 9251 0700 or 0400 468 174.
Roads resurfaced with recycled glass Two Australian councils have launched recycled glass in road and path construction initiatives. The latest project occurred at Bondi last month and was the first recycled glass road to be designed and approved by the NSW Road Traffic Authority. The second was in Victoria’s Manningham Council with the laying of a new shared pathway. Both projects were funded by AFGC's Packaging Stewardship Forum (PSF) and have collectively diverted nearly 100 tonnes of recycled glass form landfill – that’s equivalent to more than 564,000 stubbies. To find out more about PSF, contact
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(pictured in the orange vest)
MEMBER ACTION & SUBMISSIONS
Have your say on promotions AFGC members have the opportunity to have their say about improving promotional on-shelf availability. Industry wants to know what is working, what isn’t and what could be done to improve promotional on-shelf availability with your key trading partners. By completing a simple industry survey before 23 July, you will be providing valuable insight into the current practices and future directions of promotional on-shelf availability. Click this link to access the survey by clickking here >> Retailers have supported the survey and want to understand your perspective. Please encourage as many people as possible in your organisation to complete the survey and don’t miss this chance to have your say! For more information contact
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or
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2009/10 Sustainability Report information AFGC’s sustainability team is urging all members to provide their sustainability reporting information for the 2009/10 reporting year. A new spreadsheet tool has been developed to streamline the data capture process this year. This will provide industry with valuable information that can be used by members and the secretariat to improve sustainability and resource efficiency. This year, AFGC will not be preparing a standalone sustainability report, but providing summary information for inclusion into the annual State of the Industry Report to be released in October. Responses will be kept confidential and be used only in an aggregated form for the purposes of reporting, and not to be used for any other purpose outside the AFGC. For a copy of the Excel survey document, please contact
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Pre-treatment wastewater survey for industry Members are encouraged to participate in a Victoria University international survey of industry-wastewater pre-treatment technologies. This work is a publicly-funded project by the Smart Water Fund of the State Government of Victoria. The project aims to identify international best practice. The findings will possibly relate to member sites and may reduce wastewater charges. All responses will be treated confidentially and anonymously, and no company names are kept on record. For more information and to complete the survey, contact
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EVENTS & SPONSORSHIP
Promoting Efficiently and Effectively to the Shopper – ECRA conference AFGC members are being urged to attend the Promoting Efficiently and Effectively to the Shopper – the ECRA conference from 21 - 22 October in Melbourne. The two-day conference allows members to hear directly from key trading partners, Coles Group, Woolworths and Metcash Trading on critical elements of executing efficient and effective promotions. Some of the international guest speakers include Louise Spillard, Director of Research at IGD, who will provide global context and insights surrounding retail promotions, and Dr Joerg S Hofstetter, Vice Director & Head of Research Programs. Don't miss out on your chance to join this exclusive consumer goods business environment and well as hear about key issues and challenges facing promotional effectiveness and efficiency. Download your copy of the conference program. To make a booking, click here>>. For more information, contact
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Inaugural Food Industry Forum The inaugural Food Industry Forum for Nutrition Research will be held in Adelaide on Tuesday 31 August. With a theme of Foods for Everyday Fitness – where’s the evidence?, the forum will be preceded on Monday 30 August by a plenary presentation and a dinner, which is proudly sponsored by AFGC. The forum will focus on the development and evaluation of foods for a healthy body and mind and for the attainment of optimal performance. The program is designed to be compact, comprehensive and current. To find out more click here >>
Winners are grinners - enter AFGC’s Banksia award AFGC members achieving outstanding success in sustainability are urged to complete their entries for this year’s prestigious Banksia Awards. With entries closing on 2 August, AGFC members can enter Agriculture and Food Award - From Paddock to Plate Sustainably category, which rewards companies who demonstrate leadership and innovation in sustainability. For more details, watch the YouTube promotional video below:
AIFST must-see presentations Members are urged to attend the 43rd AIFST conference from 25-27 July in Melbourne to hear several must-see presentations. One of the major presentations will be nutrition hot topics including Obesity – are the government and food industry doing enough to downsize Australians waistlines? The panel discussion will feature AFGC’s Dr Geoffrey Annison as well as Dr Lyn Roberts from the National Heart Foundation. For more details and to register, visit www.aifst.com.au/annualconvention
2010 Food Challenge Awards AFGC members are urged to attend the Food Challenge Awards to be presented this month. The Food Challenge awards ceremony will be held on 22 July 2010 in Sydney – more information: www.foodmag.com.au Members are also encouraged to enter the Packaging Magazine Evolution Awards, which are specifically designed to recognise the successful sustainability achievements of signatories to the new Australian Packaging Covenant. Run by Reed Business Information, the Packaging Magazine Evolution Awards highlight outstanding achievements in packaging sustainability. For more information contact
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or call (02) 9422 2862. For entry details, click here>>
INDUSTRY NEWS
Food Standards Agency could be axed The Food Standards Agency (FSA) could be abolished by Andrew Lansley, the health secretary, after the watchdog fought a running battle with industry over the introduction of colour-coded "traffic light" warnings for groceries, TV dinners and snacks, according to recent UK news reports. The move has sparked accusations that the government has "caved in to big business". As part of the changes Lansley will reassign the FSA's regulatory aspects – including safety and hygiene – to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). Its responsibilities for nutrition, diet and public health will be incorporated into the Department of Health. "The functions of the FSA will be subsumed into the Department of Health and Defra," a source told Reuters. To read more, click here >>
Metcash directors retire Metcash Director and Chairman Carlos dos Santos has announced his retirement at the conclusion of the company's Annual General Meeting on 2 September. Mr dos Santos said: "In February of this year, it was announced that Andrew Reitzer would remain as CEO of Metcash Limited for the next three years when he would then retire. Having been Chairman of Metcash since 1998, I feel that the time is approaching to step aside and pass the chair.” Michael Jablonski has also decided to retire from the board at the AGM.
Innovation and Investment help industry thrive, UK report An ongoing demonstrable commitment to innovation and high-value production are key reasons why the UK's food and drink industry has emerged from recession in better shape than many other manufacturing sectors, according to a new report commissioned by the Food and Drink Federation from the Institute for Manufacturing at the University of Cambridge. From May 2008 to May 2009, the production index for food and drink fell by only 1.9 compared to 13.1 for manufacturing overall – a clear indication of the industry's resilience. The report was commissioned by the Food and Drink Federation (FDF). Melanie Leech, FDF Director General, said: “As Government builds the strategy for economic recovery, this report provides a timely reminder of the important financial, strategic and social contribution of the UK's biggest manufacturing sector. We have placed innovative research and development at the heart of our industry and continued to invest in our products, our factories and our people in a hugely challenging economic climate.” To read the report, click here >>
AI Group succeeds in appeal of right of entry case A decision by the Full Bench of Fair Work Australia to overturn Commissioner John Ryan’s decision in the Dunlop Foams case is sensible and very welcome, Ai Group Chief Executive Heather Ridout said on 11 June. The Australian Industry Group lodged the appeal, arguing that Commissioner Ryan was wrong to characterise the right of entry clause in the Dunlop Foams enterprise agreement as an “invitation” by the employer for union officials to enter the employer’s premises, and wrong to decide that the clause was lawful.
SA food sector shows growth South Australia’s food sector has the potential to emulate the defence and mining industries in terms of export growth opportunities. The Minister for Agriculture, Food and Regional Development, Michael O’Brien, has urged producers to continue being innovative in meeting challenges and capturing new markets. The standard of our produce is known around the world, Mr O’Brien said.
Farm exports growing The value of farm exports is forecast to increase by 2.5 per cent to $29.1 billion in 2010-11, according to ABARE’s June issue of Australian commodities. While export earnings from crops are forecast to remain largely unchanged at $14.6 billion, the value of livestock exports is forecast to rise by 6.2 per cent to $14.4 billion in 2010–11, the report said. Those agricultural commodities for which export earnings are forecast to rise in 2010–11 include canola, raw cotton, wine, wool, beef, veal and mutton.
ers. For your benefit, AFGC has re-designed this publication to be more user-friendly and interactive - note the addition of YouTube videos and links to audio interviews.
These events could involve local Federal and State MPs to highlight the importance of Australia’s $100 billion food and grocery manufacturing sector.
At a meeting in Darwin, Australia’s Environment Ministers commissioned a Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) into a national CDL as well as kerbside and away-from-home recycling.
O.
Angela McClowry has joined AFGC as a Sustainability Policy Analyst.
Two Australian councils have launched recycled glass in road and path construction initiatives.
A new spreadsheet tool has been developed to streamline the data capture process this year. This will provide industry with valuable information that can be used by members and the secretariat to improve sustainability and resource efficiency.
