Northern Rivers food and beverage producers to share in $160 million of research, innovation and training

Developing smart, sustainable, Australianmade food and beverage products and technologies will be the focus of a new collaboration between Northern Rivers Food (NRF) and Australia’s Food and Beverage Accelerator (FaBA).

As one of Australia’s leading associations of Food and Beverage producers, NRF aims to support its Northern Rivers NSW members’ businesses by providing opportunities for education, collaboration, promotion and acceleration.

FaBA is a $160 million Federal Government initiative to foster collaboration between industry and university researchers to accelerate the development of ingredients, products and skills that beneft Australia. Working together, the NRF-FaBA Collaboration will help NRF’s members thrive in the ever-evolving food and beverage manufacturing market.

Announcing this partnership, NRF Executive Offcer, Lucy Ashley said, “The collaboration with FaBA will have far-reaching benefts for all our food and beverage production members, from the largest regional businesses to the start-ups.

“From assistance with developing new products and access to research and technology, to commercialisation support, training and collaborative opportunities, our local members will gain access to opportunities that will accelerate their success.

“According to Regional Development Australia, Food Manufacturing has recently delivered $400 million in value to our region, and we are confdent that with FaBA’s support, we will see that growth continue,” Ms Ashley said.

Dr Chris Downs, FaBA Director, said,

“FaBA has developed an innovative, integrated process to support businesses across the innovation pipeline—from new ideas to new ingredients, building capabilities to building commercial application—that helps lead to commercial success. By working together, we will assist NRF’s members to thrive in the ever-evolving food and beverage manufacturing market.

“This collaboration is about creating innovative products and ensuring producers are set up for success so they will thrive,” Downs said.