The hub will help small and medium-sized businesses move from small-scale production to larger commercial operations.
Food and beverage manufacturing is Australia's largest manufacturing employer, supporting around 226,000 jobs. The sector contributes about $38 billion to the economy each year and accounts for a quarter of Australia's manufacturing output.
The hub will provide access to commercial production facilities, industry expertise and specialist support to help businesses grow.
Broader benefits include:
- strengthening links between industry and research by helping businesses develop, test and commercialise new products more efficiently
- supporting workforce development, collaboration and innovation across the sector
- supporting economic development on the NSW Central Coast
- helping food manufacturers bring new products to market faster and expand into new opportunities.
The initiative supports the Australian Government's Future Made in Australia agenda by:
- strengthening domestic manufacturing capability
- building more resilient supply chains
- helping businesses create greater value from Australian-grown products.
The hub received funding through a local industry grant in the October 2022–23 Budget.