The first Food and Grocery Australia Conference 2016 marked a significant and exciting innovation in the way in which the Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC) facilitates engagement and discussion on the fundamentals of the fast moving consumer goods sector.
Bringing together Highlands and the ECRA convention, this conference provided a strong platform with unmatched strategic analysis of the FMCG market and how it continues to respond to the evolving demand of the consumer.
Key players from across the value chain from paddock to plate joined this forum provided an impressive line-up of industry leaders who can deliver unparalleled insights into future trends of Australia’s $118 billion food and grocery manufacturing sector.
Delegates heard firsthand the insights and views of key thought leaders regarding the drivers of disruption of the fast moving consumer goods sector. Newly appointed CEO of Woolworths, Banducci provided the opening key note address on his strategy, while Richard Pearson merchandise director concluded the conference outlining Coles’ ongoing strategy on using consumer feedback surveys as means to drive growth through a focus on customer preferences.
Between these two bookends, Food and Grocery Australia 2016 reinforced its reputation as the pre-eminent FMGC conference by attracting speakers at the top of their game, across almost all areas of the value chain.
Whether it was Caroline Oates, explaining Google’s perspectives on digital disruption of the FMGC sector; Justin Sargent sharing Nielsen’s extensive understanding of consumer trends particularly in relation to Millennials and ethnically diverse Australia; or Tony Qiu (JD.com) and Maggie Zhou (Alibaba) outlining how China’s biggest e-commerce operators are looking to engage with Australian businesses to establish and drive sales growth in China, this conference provided unmatched insights and opportunities into ways in which delegates could respond to the market drivers and improve their business performance.
Much has changed since then, punctuated by five key developments. Woolworths’ predicted rebound to growth occurring at a faster than expected pace; Amazon’s has firmed up plans to offer retail services in Australia; great global political and trade uncertainty increasing regulatory complexity; increased pressure on price inflation in Australia and overseas markets and rising input costs, mainly energy, have undermined the competitiveness of Australia’s domestic manufacturing base; and the speed of technological innovation creating pressures and opportunities for businesses. These developments have occurred against a backdrop of diversified consumer preferences and a relentless drive for efficiency and business improvements across global value chains.
Food and Grocery Australia 2017 looks to build on its reputation of the industry’s key forum, covering retailers, market researchers, economists and subject matter experts on issue from across the FMGC sector. We look forward to seeing you there 23-25 May Brisbane.
For more information, visit http://www.afgc.org.au/.
