Page 19 - Food&Drink magazine July 2021

Harvest B’s story must be told, as the company is about to embark on a plan to manufacture 10,000 tonnes of plant-based protein onshore – a first for Australia. Harvest B’s plans will establish new onshore capability, seek to add value to our abundant supply of local produce and to build and export an in-demand food source across the globe.
The interesting part of Harvest B’s proposal was its five references to either advanced manufacturing or R&D in their opening paragraphs. Harvest B has identified an immediate local market of $150 million ready for their product, and they understand that ongoing investment into R&D will ensure that they stay ahead of the pack as a manufacturer of plant-based proteins.
By staying ahead of the pack, Harvest B has the confidence to look beyond 25 million Australian customers to seek a
global customer base of 7.5 billion. By looking beyond our shores, Harvest B is seeking opportunities in a market not worth hundreds of millions, but one worth tens of billions. Embracing advancement and innovation is a central tenant of their business plan, a plan that includes investment and reinvestment in technology, automation, and skilled staff from the outset.
By recognising the efficiency and value that advanced technology, methods and processes can deliver to their business, Harvest B is in a strong position to ‘meat’ their local and global aspirations. Yet for many existing manufacturers, there is a hesitancy to adopting new technologies.
The Ten Ways report I noted earlier found that Australia’s manufacturing industry lagged other industries in its use and perceived importance of digital and other technologies. Some
“ We must take our ideas and commercialise them. Our industry’s success should not be a secret and breakthroughs should not reside in publications alone. I say this because manufacturing is so critical to our present and future.”
of the reasons cited by manufacturers were that they did not have access to the right information, felt as though they had to commit to an ‘all or nothing’ approach, or quite simply that the company had ‘always done things this way’.
If the past has taught us anything, then it is that manufacturing is constantly evolving. Standing still, while tempting, is not an option. While resisting change may work for the immediate future, it is important to remember that the modern manufacturer of today is just another manufacturer tomorrow.
To become an advanced manufacturer, you do not need to completely upend your business, you just need to look at small ways to have a positive impact on quality, productivity, or value. Getting advice, planning, learning from others, or consulting a research institution can all help manufacturers make significant gains in their business.
Food and beverage manufacturing is critical to all our survival, just as manufacturing is critical to the survival of your business. AMGC encourages you to take that first small step in advancing your business. ✷
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www.foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au | July 2021 | Food&Drink business | 19