Siobhan Coster

R&D is often about testing ideas and laying the foundations through experimentation. It often means being ahead of the curve … but the anticipation of increased global interest and buy-side demand for traceability has proven to be prescient. 👇🏽👇🏽👇🏽 is a great case in point. The team at Smart Trade Networks pioneered some core technology and design approaches to meeting anticipated Chinese red meat supply chain traceability demands, building on the decades of work done by industry giants. The time is rapidly coming when traceability won’t be a “nice to have” but a “must have”. #beef #china #traceability #blockchain #supplychains

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Australia’s recent consumer insights are clear: trust is everything. Around a third of consumers, especially the younger generations, are ready for cell-ag products, but broad acceptance hinges on trust in technology, transparent regulation, and real benefits. Around the world., industry leaders and policymakers will have to work together to build that trust and drive cellular agriculture from concept to mainstream. By aligning our innovations with the values consumers care about, we can make “trust to table” a reality, reshaping the future of food with purpose and transparency. #collaborationiskey #trustdrivesacceptance

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(NEW ZEALAND 17.03.24) #foodtechnology Cauliflower ice cream just the scoop for NZ start-up [AG: Bridging the Gap to Market Success] New Zealand entrepreneurs launch cauliflower-based vegan ice cream. Initial success prompts plans for market expansion and growth. ----- [AG: Australia has been at the forefront of developing creative uses for vegetables, from cauliflower-based ice cream to broccoli-flavored coffee. However, while these ideas capture media attention and admiration, Australia lacks the courage in commercializing them to make a real impact on the market. Over time, Australia has demonstrated remarkable creativity by integrating vegetables into unconventional culinary innovations. In June 2023, a controversial ice cream featuring cauliflower and pumpkin made headlines, disrupting traditional dessert flavors. Similarly, in June 2018, the CSIRO introduced broccoli coffee, showcasing the nutritional advantages of this cruciferous vegetable in a unique manner. These examples underscore Australia's pioneering approach to reshaping the perception of vegetables in our diets. Despite the buzz generated by these innovative concepts, the transition from idea to market success has proven elusive. While cauliflower-based ice cream and broccoli coffee may intrigue adventurous foodies, their mainstream adoption remains absent. The gap between ideation and commercialization highlights the lack in courage faced by Australian food businesses in scaling up unconventional products. As we marvel at the creativity behind cauliflower ice cream and broccoli coffee, it's essential to acknowledge the practical realities of our Australian food industry. While Australia excels in generating bold ideas for vegetable utilization, they lack the courage translating them into profitable ventures. Australia's vegetable industry needs to bridge the innovation-commercialization gap through collaboration among food scientists, entrepreneurs and investors. Leveraging agricultural resources and culinary expertise, we can create market-ready vegetable-based products, unlocking their full potential and nurturing a vibrant ecosystem of nutritious offerings. Food industry innovation, driven by human creativity, only truly thrives when successfully commercialized and embraced by consumers. Australia's prowess in innovative vegetable applications often falls short in reaching wider audiences. By tackling commercialization obstacles and fostering entrepreneurship, we can enhance Australia's vegetable industry, ensuring its success and sustainability. Let's champion our inventive spirit while pursuing greater commercial viability in vegetable-based culinary ventures.] ----- It’s cauliflower but not as you know it, a unique ice cream made by Kiwi start-up EatKinda https://lnkd.in/gn7xnhGz https://lnkd.in/gaDBGDpR

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Listen to Scion's Portfolio Leader for Bioproducts and Packaging - Alec Foster - on this NZ Dairy Exporter podcast -  two different sides of the debate, on what the risks are of introducing GE into our market, and how these risks could be managed and identified. Biotechnology is a key pillar of Scion's impact journey.Biotechnology and biomanufacturing - enabled by modern genetic technologies will create the foundations that allow us to: 📌accelerate new industries and high-paying jobs 📌expand domestic manufacturing 📌create new export marketsand products for export markets 📌help secure critical supply chains for a resilient and competitive future. Interested in more biotech and genetics work that we do?👇 The Scion webpage dedicated to genetic engineering (gene modification) https://lnkd.in/g3cRJV-6 How is Scion leading New Zealand in fermentation technology, using bacteria and yeast to convert industrial waste streams and greenhouse gases into high-value products. https://lnkd.in/ditGChbF https://lnkd.in/gYZQ7yD4 #biotechnology #biotech #cleantechnology #cleantech #biomaterials #fermentation #genetics #manufacturing #sustainability #science #technology #innovation

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🥛🇳🇿 New Zealand's Dairy Industry: A Pillar of Economic Strength Despite global challenges, New Zealand's dairy exports continue to demonstrate remarkable resilience: Decades-long cornerstone of the national economy Showing buoyancy in the face of pandemic disruptions Poised to weather potential downturns in East Asian markets What's your take on the future of NZ's dairy sector? How can other industries learn from its adaptability? https://lnkd.in/gFwyqbcW #NewZealandEconomy #DairyIndustry #GlobalTrade #EconomicResilience

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At the Australian Meat Industry Council, we stand firm in our belief that certain animal rights groups, the "Anti-Ag Agenda," are imposing a fringe ideology on everyday Australians, with little regard for the mental health crisis their actions may cause in rural and regional areas. These groups prioritize their agenda over the well-being of our communities. Despite demanding a seat at the table for consultations on animal welfare standards, these activists do not seek to enhance welfare outcomes. Instead, their primary goal is to permanently shut down animal-based food production. It is crucial to differentiate genuine stakeholders, like RSPCA Australia, from those with ulterior motives. #AnimalAgriculture #AnimalWelfare #RuralAustralia Murray Watt Ed Husic MP Anthony Albanese Susan McDonald The Hon. Peter Dutton MP Sussan Ley Bridget McKenzie The Hon. David Littleproud MP Meat & Livestock Australia National Farmers'​ Federation Red Meat Advisory Council (RMAC) Cattle Australia Sheep Producers Australia Australian Lot Feeders'​ Association Australian Pork Limited Australian Meat Processor Corporation

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𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘃𝗲𝘆𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝘂𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗳𝗶𝗹𝗹-𝘂𝗽 Latest is Proform Foods, the Aussie leader on the segment Since 2020, 90+ plant-based companies globally that received funding went bankrupt Most of them were alt-meat (and not alt-dairy) Time for all Plant-Based companies to create value for Consumers (taste, health credentials, price - all driving mass penetration potential) & Shareholders (profitability, operational scalability, capital efficiency) More on the below in our last year article on Plant-Based: 𝗙𝗠𝗖𝗚 𝗖𝗘𝗢𝘀: 𝗜𝘀 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘁-𝗕𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗗𝗲𝗮𝗱? https://lnkd.in/e9MjncE4 𝗧𝗼 𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀, 𝗳𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝘂𝘀 & 𝘀𝘂𝗯𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗯𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗙𝗠𝗖𝗚 𝗖𝗘𝗢 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗻𝗲𝘄𝘀𝗹𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿: https://lnkd.in/ea4gy65y #fmcg #cpg Nestlé Unilever Danone Beyond Meat Impossible Foods Oatly The Coca-Cola Company PepsiCo General Mills Campbell's Lactalis Group Mondelēz International Kraft Heinz https://lnkd.in/eb6jaZ-T

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There is new consumer research out today on Australia's dietary preferences around meat and plant-based alternatives. Food Frontier (the think tank exploring Australia's alternative protein industry) commissioned a nationally representative survey to investigate the dietary habits and preferences of 2,000 Australians, with a focus on meat consumption, dietary changes for both them and their pets, and the motivations behind these behaviours.  The survey looked at meat consumption trends, diet types and influencers, protein alternatives, climate change attitudes and pet diets.   In 2024, ‘meat reducer’ has become the most popular dietary choice among Australians, with 21% of the population adopting it. This choice is driven by increasing awareness of the health and environmental benefits associated with eating less meat. Respondents could choose from a list of 13 dietary choices, including macrobiotic, vegetarian, and intermittent fasting. Intermittent fasting and organic diets are the second and third most popular diets in 2024.    The survey by research organisation Toluna discovered that Australians rely on various sources for diet information, with friends and family being the most common for those interested in the top three most popular diets: meat reducer, intermittent fasting, and organic. Vegans and vegetarians also primarily hear about these diets from friends and family.   In 2024, 25% of Australians reduced their meat intake, consistent with 2021 figures, while 2% eliminated meat entirely. However, 51% maintained their current meat consumption, down from 56% in 2021. Health remains the primary motivation for reducing meat consumption, with a notable increase in budget and environmental concerns. Additionally, 79% of Australians go meat-free at least one day a week, slightly down from 80% in 2021.  Find out more about attitudes towards plant-based meats and other plant-based and free-from foods and drinks, plus views towards changing pets’ diets.   https://lnkd.in/g-d2wTmb

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Australian agriculture faces some of the most extreme drought conditions in the world, and necessity has made us amazing innovators. I am thrilled to join an incredible panel of industry experts as part of the world’s first Venture Studio focused on building the drought resilience of farmers. As a member of the Beanstalk AgTech Venture Studio Selection Committee, I will be joining Leanne Kemp, Paul Levins, Angeline Achariya and Marcus Agnew to select the researchers, farmers, entrepreneurs and industry experts that want to join the studio to deliver real-world outcomes for our farmers, and commercial returns for the agri-innovation value chain. The time to start planning for the next drought is now, and we want to hear from anyone with a drought-related challenge that needs solving or a drought-resilience solution. Perhaps you are a scientist working on new technology to better capture and store water on farms, or an investor that wants to back local farmers and local innovation. You can get in touch with us today to hear more about how we can support you through this world-first initiative, the Drought Venture Studio. And stay tuned for more news about the inaugural cohort we have just finished selecting to take part in the Venture Studio.

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Analysis shows NZ fruit and vegetables have increased in price by 45% over the last 10 years versus ‘sweet foods’ with a 14% price increase -multiple factors at play including supermarket duopoly which make fruit and vegetables less affordable here in NZ relative to other countries

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🌍 Scoping Report: Trends in Meat Consumption and Plant-Based Alternatives I'm pleased to share my latest scoping report, which dives into the evolving trends of meat consumption and the rise of plant-based alternatives in Australia. Here’s a snapshot of what I cover in the report: 🔍 Background: How the pandemic has shifted eating habits and impacted food prices ⚖️ Situation Analysis: Key factors contributing to current meat consumption trends and the growing demand for sustainable food choices 📊 Campaign Insights: A look at past and current campaigns aimed at reducing meat consumption and promoting plant-based diets 🎯 Target Market & Value Proposition: Identifying potential segments open to plant-based alternatives and the benefits they value The report also explores potential strategies for driving sustainable behavior change, aligning with broader environmental goals. I invite you to check it out and share your thoughts on how we can all contribute to a more sustainable future. #Sustainability #PlantBased #FoodTrends #SocialMarketing #Australia

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A great article in The Australian highlighting the strategies outlined by the recent 'Land of Plenty' position paper. The Australian Food and Agriculture Industry Taskforce, which includes SparkLabs Cultiv8 Partner Jonathon Quigley, have identified factors that are impacting the industry's sustainability and the three keys to unlocking Australia's potential as a food powerhouse. The recommendations include: • Increasing the adoption of climate-smart farming • Strengthening of sovereign supply chains,  • Stronger, more diversified export strategy While the sector faces hurdles, we see tremendous potential for growth and innovation in Australian agriculture. Collaborative action between industry and government to coordinate efforts is essential to capitalise on these opportunities, ensuring a robust and competitive future for Australia's food industry. Read the article here: https://lnkd.in/ghRGttXZ Interested to find out more? Download the full report: https://lnkd.in/gW6i4ATZ #AustralianAgriculture #FoodSecurity #Agribusiness #Innovation Mark van Dyck | Mark Wiessing | Michele Allan AO | Holly Kramer | Robert Spurway | Prof Roy Green | Barry Irvin | Anthony Holme | Tony Mahar | Alasdair MacLeod | David Foote | Phoebe Stenning | Piers Hogarth-Scott | Ben van Delden | Vanessa Matthijssen

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📈🇦🇺 AUSTRALIA'S PLANT-BASED INDUSTRY REBOUNDS WITH MORE BRANDS & PRICE PARITY Plant-based meat is inching closer to the cost of its conventional counterparts in Australia, driven by a proliferation of brands and significant foodservice growth, according to a new report by Food Frontier. The think tank’s 2023 State of the Industry report combines industry data and insights from Deloitte Access Economics, highlighting the challenges and opportunities faced by the sector after a tricky couple of years globally. Where has the industry gained, and where is it lacking? What will it look like in the future? Here are the key takeaways from Food Frontier’s analysis. 🌱 The rise of plant-based meat in Australia has been driven by its foodservice performance since Covid-19. In 2023, sales across foodservice and retail reached AU$272.5M, representing a 47% increase from 2020, the first year of the pandemic. Per capita consumption is also up by 28% since 2020. 🌱 Despite the market performance, the plant-based meat manufacturing sector’s contribution to the economy has reduced by 9%, from AU$50.4M in 2020 to AU$45.8M last year. This drop is witnessed across both direct and indirect contributions. 🌱 Globally, plant-based companies saw a 28% decline in VC investment in 2023, reflecting the larger 61% drop in food tech funding. The pattern is similar in Australia, where plant-based meat makers have witnessed a 70% decrease in financing since 2020, and a 13% drop from 2022, reaching AU$16.75M last year. 🌱 Australia has witnessed a shift in consumer preference for the type of plant-based meat. Long-standing formats like burgers and mince have stabilised in number, while newer options such as strips/chunks and whole cuts have become more popular. 🌱 Despite increased per capita spend amid inflation and the cost-of-living crisis, the price gap between plant-based and animal-derived meat is narrowing. While the former carried a premium of 49% in 2020, they were just 33% more expensive last year. 🌱 Research shows that 20-39% of Australians are cutting back on meat or eating none at all, with 38% open to replacing it with a plant-based option. Health seems to be the major influencing factor, with protein requirements and ultra-processing top of mind. After consulting with manufacturers, Food Frontier found that they are prioritising health and nutrition in plant-based meat production. In Food Frontier’s first State of the Industry report, Deloitte Access Economics modelled three potential 10-year scenarios for the plant-based meat manufacturing industry. These are based on three trajectories. The first centres on these products as conscious consumers’ choice, a conservative estimate; the second is a moderate forecast labelling vegan meats as popular and accessible alternatives; and the third, more accelerated prediction analyses these as popular mass-market commodities. #GreenQueen #altprorein #futurefoods #foodtech #sustainability #foodsystems

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https://lnkd.in/gn3g2Xat Given Australia's vast approvals for use of these insecticides, you can see the myth making of regulator in plain sight. The myth is they claim to have a central purpose to protect human and environmental health. The reality is they approve an ever expanding inventory of toxic chemicals, using inadequate assessment methodologies, that lack transparency, which result in there being ever greater volumes of pesticides in use, causing ever more off-target exposures, and driving ever more toxic harm. The APVMA undertake no coherent effort to checking their assumptions about risk mitigation are in fact safe. There is scarcely any monitoring. Neonicotinoids appear unsafe for your neurological health, and that of the insect kingdom, and the broader aquatic community of zooplankton. Perhaps mention this to someone, like your MP.

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Pretty worrying I think to see one of our major exporters appear to believe that their core business should be an interchangeable bulk product which is the most quickly and easily replaced by non-animal protein alternatives as they come into mainstream production. And in the short-term, this is also likely to mean a continued focus on quantitative production targets...exactly the mindset that has led to an extractive dairy industry that overstocks farms and writes off the resulting nitrogen pollution as someone else's problem. There is a sustainable pathway for animal agriculture and dairy in AoNZ - but it doesn't look like this.

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Food Frontier's 2023 State of the Industry report on the Australian plant-based meat industry is here! Despite the economic challenges faced by plant-based meat companies here and overseas it’s evident that the industry is here to stay, and that Australia is performing better than overseas markets in the face of these pressures.  Driven by Deloitte Access Economics and Food Frontier research, the report has uncovered that plant-based meat sales in Australia have increased by 47% between 2020 and 2023 and per-capita consumption has increased by 28%. Foodservice is the outstanding performer. Plant-based meat sales growth in Australia has been driven by strong demand from the foodservice sector, which has an average yearly growth rate of 59%.   Delve into the report for global comparisons, retail and foodservice trends, price analysis, agricultural contributions, and 10-year projections—valuable information for managing risk and pursuing growth opportunities with confidence and clarity. This year's report offers an additional advantage with tailored recommendations for plant-based meat companies, retailers, foodservice, agriculture, investors, and governmental bodies. Essential reading for anyone looking for sustainable protein opportunities in the food industry. Download here: https://lnkd.in/gY8PTqeQ #PlantBased #FoodIndustry #Report #StateOfTheIndustry Alternative Proteins Global, Cellular Agriculture Australia, Mark Field. Australian Food and Grocery Council, Food Industry Foresight  

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The Food Frontier Consumer Survey 2024 that explores meat consumption trends, diet types and influencers, protein alternatives, climate change attitudes and pet diets has been released. This year’s survey engaged 2,000 respondents across Australia, about their meat consumption trends, diet types, protein alternatives, climate change attitudes, and even pet diets. Key findings reveal shifts in dietary habits: 🔹 Meat reducer is the most popular diet in 2024 (21%), followed by intermittent fasting (15%) and organic (14%). 🔹 7% of Australians follow a flexitarian diet, while 15% are either vegetarian or vegan. 🔹 79% of Australians are going meat-free at least one day a week, with many abstaining completely. 🔹 Key reasons for reducing meat: health (61%), budget (54%), and environmental concerns (37%). 🔹 41% of Australians have tried plant-based milks, and 35% have tried plant-based meats (up from 24% in 2021). 🔹 16% of Australians eat plant-based meats regularly. 🔹The biggest barriers? Poor taste (46%), high price (37%), and being perceived as too processed (31%). 🔹 44% of Australians believe animal agriculture contributes to climate change. Download the Food Frontier Consumer Survey 2024 here - https://lnkd.in/g-d2wTmb #Insights #DietaryChanges #MeatReduction #PlantBased #Sustainability #FoodTrends #FoodScience #AIFST Fiona Fleming Michael Depalo Marc Barnes Gregory Harper Anna Barlow Angeline Achariya (GAICD) Chris Downs Heather Smyth LIONG GIE LIEM Chao Xue Catherine Gair Jodie Hill Melissa Packham 🌱🛠️ GAICD Melissa Garland

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In an asymmetrical supply chain where the grocery retail duopoly have massive market power, market transparency is essential for fair trading, fair prices for farmers and affordable foodstuffs for consumers.

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ExoFlare is proud to welcome Patrick Hutchinson as an advisor to our team as we work to rapidly improve biosecurity capability across the agrifood sector.    Pat is recognised across the Australian agriculture sector as a passionate, knowledgeable and tireless supporter of industry. His deep insights will help us drive a major evolution of biosecurity in this country.   “The ag sector understands that biosecurity is important but there has been too much mucking around, too little action and too little long term thinking. It’s time for transformational change in the way we approach biosecurity and I’m excited to work with ExoFlare to help make it happen. Biosecurity threats are increasing, and every part of the ag value chain has a role to play in identifying them, managing them and recovering from them. To get where we need to be, we need industry, government and regulators to work together, at pace.” – Pat Hutchinson   Pat will be an invaluable asset to the ExoFlare team as we expand into new sectors following our very successful introduction into the poultry and other intensive operations. #Exoflare #biosecurity #agritech   Cultiv8 Funds Management AgriFutures Australia Australian Chicken Meat Federation (ACMF) Australian Eggs, Australian Pork Limited, Australian Lot Feeders'​ Association, Animal Health Australia

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