About agrifood in NSW
NSW is Australia’s largest consumer market, home to a skilled workforce, advanced infrastructure and world-leading technology and innovation. Food and beverage manufacturing employs around 65,000 people in the state. 81% of NSW's landmass is devoted to agriculture.
Extensive road, rail, sea and air infrastructure supports efficient sector supply-chains and fast access to domestic and international markets.
Producing about $15.1 billion of agricultural food and $38.1 billion of manufactured food & beverage products each year.
Advanced research and technology testing capability offers significant opportunities to develop, commercialise and scale solutions.
Supplying consumer markets in Asia, the Middle East, Europe and North America.
A long-standing reputation for food safety and efficient regulation.
Over AU$100 million per year invested in agrifood research and development. The NSW Department of Primary Industries is ranked in the top 1% of Agri research organisations worldwide.
Making opportunities happen
Leading research and development, diverse climates and a fast-growing manufacturing industry create safe, high-quality food and beverage, and unparalleled investment opportunities.
Watch our other NSW Agrifood videos below:
Supporting Food & Beverage Start-ups at Fine Food Australia
The NSW Government has been supporting the Food & Beverage manufacturing sector through its presence at Fine Food Australia since 2001. Fine Food Australia is the largest food and beverage industry trade show in Australia. The NSW Government continues to assist innovative Food & Beverage manufacturers by offering NSW businesses the opportunity to apply for Exhibitor booth subsidies in the Flavours of NSW Zone at Fine Food Australia in Sydney and Melbourne.
Subscribe to our Flavours of NSW newsletter for updates on Fine Food Australia subsidies and other NSW Government programs which support the food and beverage industry in NSW.
Meet the NSW exhibitors from Fine Foods Australia 2023
Meet the NSW exhibitors from Fine Foods Australia 2022
Flavours of NSW Catalogue
Sponsored by the NSW Government and powered by the independent, industry-led, not-for-profit Food Innovation Australia Limited (FIAL), the Flavours of NSW Catalogue connects international buyers with world-class NSW food and beverage companies.
Register to view or showcase NSW productsExternal Link
Eligible NSW businesses can apply for free support to expand to new international markets. The Program is intensive and requires participants to be actively engaged for 4 to 6 months. It offers participants many benefits including:
- an understanding of market dynamics
- practical approaches for doing business in the target market
- opportunities to identify and engage with new customers in the target market
- opportunities for networking with global businesses and entrepreneurs
- opportunities for global promotion
- opportunities for peer interaction with the businesses in your cohort.
For more information on Going Global
Upcoming Events
Fine Food AustraliaExternal Link is the largest food industry trade show in the southern hemisphere, with over 1,000 exhibitors and 20,000 trade visitors from over 50 countries. Connect with us at the Flavours of NSW zone to discover the diverse food and beverage manufacturing capabilities of NSW. The next event will be held in Melbourne in September 2024.
Foodserivce AustraliaExternal Link is the leading food event for the hospitality and the foodservice industry. The show features over 450 exhibitors, 60 industry speakers and thousands of visitors exploring the latest equipment, tasting food trends and finding out what’s new in the industry. The event will take place from 19 to 21 May 2024 at the ICC Sydney.
Working with business to promote growth
NSW offers a business-friendly environment backed by strong institutional support across:
- industrial and technology precincts
- food safety
- industrial and agricultural production
- innovation, research and development
- workforce development and skills
- circular economy
- industry advocacy
- business programs and incentives
Food production and agricultural technology are major priorities for the NSW Government under its 2040 Economic BlueprintExternal Link .
The NSW Government is positioning Western Sydney to become the national capital for advanced manufacturing, with a collaborative research and development centre at the core of the state’s new Western Sydney Aerotropolis .
A world-class agribusiness precinct in the Aerotropolis will support production of sustainable, high-quality, fresh produce and pre-prepared consumer foods, and incorporate the high-speed supply chain infrastructure associated with the new 24/7 airport.
The NSW Government is also developing regional Special Activation PrecinctsExternal Link . These precincts are strategically located near major commodity growing regions with access to global transport and logistics and research and development capability. Special Activation Precincts offer accelerated planning approvals, government-led infrastructure investment and studies, and business concierge services.
Contact us
Contact Investment NSW to start making your opportunities happen in NSW.
Our dedicated team offers free, confidential and personalised support to businesses who want to learn more about agrifood, and how your organisation can benefit from working in NSW.
Stay up-to-date
Our newsletter, Flavours of NSW, keeps you up-to-date on what’s happening in the agrifood industry in NSW.