The new Central Coast facility gives food and drink SMEs access to commercial-scale production, technical expertise and specialist growth support.
Australia has opened a $17 million food manufacturing innovation hub on the New South Wales Central Coast to help small and medium-sized food and beverage producers scale production, launch products faster and reach new markets.
The Australian Government funded the facility, while Central Coast Industry Connect delivered it. The hub gives manufacturers access to commercial-scale production equipment, technical expertise and specialist business support.
By closing the gap between small-batch production and commercially viable manufacturing, the facility will allow companies to test, refine and commercialise products more efficiently.
This is about backing Australian producers with access to world-class facilities helping them to scale up, innovate and compete in growing domestic and international markets.”
Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science, Senator Tim Ayres
Supporting a major manufacturing sector
The hub opens as Australia looks to strengthen one of its most important manufacturing industries. Food and beverage manufacturing employs around 226,000 people, contributes approximately $38 billion each year and accounts for a quarter of the country’s manufacturing output.
Highlighting the facility’s potential impact, Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science, Senator Tim Ayres, said: “The Central Coast Food Manufacturing Innovation Hub will help local businesses turn great ideas into successful products – creating jobs, lifting productivity and strengthening Australia’s manufacturing capability.
“This is about backing Australian producers with access to world-class facilities helping them to scale up, innovate and compete in growing domestic and international markets.
“Australia’s food and beverage manufacturing sector is critical to our agricultural supply chains, food security, exports and regional economies. This Hub is an investment in the future of Australian manufacturing capability.”
Accelerating products from concept to market
Alongside production facilities, the hub will connect manufacturers with researchers and industry specialists, helping businesses develop new products, improve processes and shorten the journey from concept to market.
That support will also contribute to workforce development and help manufacturers create more value from Australian-grown ingredients.
For local producers, the investment could create new opportunities to expand beyond the Central Coast.
Emma McBride, Assistant Minister and Member for Dobell, added: “This is a great example of the Albanese Labor Government delivering for Dobell by investing in local jobs, supporting local businesses and helping our region continue to grow. We’ve got some incredible food and beverage producers right here on the Coast, and this Hub backs the hardworking local people behind them to grow their businesses, create jobs and reach new markets.”
The government awarded the funding through a local industry grant announced in the October 2022–23 Budget as part of its Future Made in Australia agenda.
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