Page 13 - Food&Drink Nov-Dec 2020

foreseeable period which may also affect our skills levels, while overseas customers will be engaged through video calls rather than visits in person.
These are by no means insurmountable problems, but we will need to be willing to adapt.
GP: While it was undesirable and damaging to the economy, the pandemic did create the opportunity to pause, reassess and refresh the non-alcoholic drinks industry, as well as the wider economy.
We recently worked with KPMG on an industry blueprint, developing four pragmatic policy recommendations: harmonisation of container deposit schemes, tax reform, a simplified and mutually beneficial industry relations system, and a well-informed energy policy.
TP: We know the recovery for the economy will be extended, particularly because of the extensiveandextended
lockdown in Victoria, and this will inevitably affect the food and beverage industry, but not as much as most other industries. However, it’s important to have all industries ‘firing’ as it energises all sectors.
We also need to ensure that overseas companies continue to be confident about investing in Australia.
Q
GP: As manufacturers and the supply chain continue to adapt, the non-alcoholic drinks industry will continue to focus on harmonisation across the different container deposit schemes, greater investment in resource recovery infrastructure, creation of incentives at every step of the waste supply chain and support for sustainable energy and co-generation schemes over the next three to five years.
Theimminentchallengeis
the festive summer season, a peak trading period that can make or break a financial year.
TB: Beyond Christmas I think businesses will be trying to understand what COVID- normal looks like and the focus for AFGC and our members will be on working with government to develop that roadmap for increasing the scale and competitiveness of Australian food and beverage manufacturing, both locally and in export markets.
TP: Businesses will need to remain ever vigilant and have their employees understand they need to do the same. The community attitudes change very quickly, and people believe we have overcome the threat or believe it won’t impact on them.
Business can’t afford to be in that boat. This is the long term, it’s not a return to what we considered as normal less than 12monthsago. ✷
BY ASSOCIATION
What do you see for the sector looking ahead?
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CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE:
AusBev Council CEO Geoff Parker, AFGC CEO Tanya Barden, and AiGroup head Victoria Tim Piper.
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www.foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au | November-December 2020 | Food&Drink business | 13