The South East Melbourne Manufacturers Alliance (SEMMA) has launched a new industry group focused on food manufacturing, aimed at supporting professional development, networking and business growth across the sector.
According to SEMMA, the new SEMMA Food Group has been established in response to calls from industry for a dedicated network bringing together food manufacturing professionals and organisations. The group has been launched with founding partners Michaelona Flavours & Fragrances Pty Ltd and Phase 9 NPD.
SEMMA CEO Honi Walker said the organisation had created the group to provide opportunities for industry participants to connect and develop.
“We have responded to industry calls for a dedicated Food Manufacturers Group to bring professionals and their organisations together to enhance and improve their professional development opportunities and business growth through a dedicated network,” Walker said.
SEMMA said the group will provide professional development activities, industry updates and networking opportunities on an ongoing basis, building on the model of its existing industry groups.
Michaelona Flavours & Fragrances CEO Mike Weber said the company supported SEMMA’s role in establishing the initiative.
“We knew SEMMA was the right group to take this forward. The opportunities for growth in the region are substantial, and the industry needs a dedicated network to continue growth,” Weber said.
Walker said food manufacturers play an important role in supplying products to a range of sectors, including healthcare, aged care and retail.
“There are dozens of food manufacturers in the south east, and like most manufacturing, they operate under the radar and just get on with delivering their delicious local products rain, hail or shine,” she said.
“Food manufacturers are an essential service with so many organisations depend on the daily delivery – think hospitals, aged care and of course – supermarkets. The technology to bring our daily necessities to our tables is exciting and we want to support those people and their businesses to continue to grow.”
SEMMA represents manufacturing businesses across Melbourne’s south-east region, which it describes as Australia’s largest manufacturing hub.
According to the organisation, the region contributes $89 billion in gross regional product and is home to more than 3,800 manufacturing businesses employing more than 75,000 people.
