foodtech Flashcards
What are the four primary sectors of the Australian food industry?
Agriculture and fisheries, food processing and manufacture, food retail, food service and catering
What does agriculture involve?
Cultivation of land to produce crops and raise animals
What are the key businesses in the agriculture sector in Australia?
- Australian Agricultural Company (AACo)
- Tassal
- Costa Group
Name notable products produced in the agriculture sector.
- Wheat
- Barley
- Rice
- Sugarcane
- Vegetables
- Fruits
- Nuts
What livestock products are included in the agriculture sector?
- Beef
- Lamb
- Pork
- Poultry
- Dairy items (milk, cheese, butter)
What types of seafood are produced in the fisheries sector?
- Tuna
- Prawns
- Oysters
- Salmon
- Lobster
- Abalone
What professions are found in the agriculture and fisheries sector?
- Farmers
- Aquaculturists
- Horticulturists
- Marine biologists
- Agronomists
- Supply chain coordinators
What is the role of food processing and manufacture?
Transforming raw agricultural or fishery products into value-added food items
Name some businesses in the food processing and manufacture sector.
- Arnott’s
- Bega Cheese
- Sanitarium
- Ingham’s
What types of products are produced in food processing and manufacture?
- Packaged snacks
- Cereals
- Dairy products
- Canned goods
- Frozen foods
- Ready-made meals
- Beverages (wine, juices, soft drinks)
What jobs are available in food processing and manufacture?
- Food technologists
- Product developers
- Machine operators
- Quality assurance officers
- Engineers for processing plants
- Marketing professionals
What is the focus of food retail?
Selling food to consumers through various distribution channels
Which major businesses dominate the food retail market in Australia?
- Woolworths
- Coles
- ALDI
- Bakers Delight
- Harris Farm Markets
What are some key trends in food retail?
- Growth of online grocery shopping
- Rise of specialty stores for fresh and organic products
- Increasing popularity of value-added convenience foods
What jobs are common in food retail?
- Store managers
- Retail assistants
- Logistics and distribution coordinators
- E-commerce specialists
What does food service and catering involve?
Preparing and serving food in commercial and institutional settings
Name some prominent businesses in the food service and catering sector.
- McDonald’s Australia
- Hungry Jack’s
- Domino’s Pizza
- Quay
- Attica
What types of establishments are included in food service and catering?
- Restaurants
- Cafes
- Pubs
- Fast-food outlets
- Institutions (hospitals, aged care homes, schools)
What jobs are found in the food service and catering sector?
- Chefs
- Cooks
- Waitstaff
- Baristas
- Event planners
- Catering coordinators
- Delivery drivers
- Fast-food workers
An example of how the sectors of the Australian food industry integrate?
dairy
Dairy farmers supply raw milk to processors like Bega Cheese, which is sold in retail outlets or used in cafes and restaurants
What supporting industries are crucial for the Australian food industry?
- Transport and logistics
- Packaging businesses
What are some emerging trends across all sectors of the Australian food industry?
- Focus on sustainability
- Rise in demand for health-conscious products
- Increasing use of technology
- Globalization
True or False: The Australian food industry is a vital part of the economy and a major source of employment opportunities.
True
What is the range of operations in the food industry?
It varies from household production to multinational organizations. Larger companies often use advanced technology and exert political influence.
What is the focus of research and development (R&D) in the food industry?
The creation of new products to meet market demands. Key features include diverse consumer needs, innovative and environmentally friendly products, high-yield production, and contributions from organizations like CSIRO.
What is quality assurance in the food industry?
It ensures consistent product quality and consumer confidence through processes like the HACCP framework, which includes hazard assessment, critical control points, standards, monitoring, and record-keeping. Businesses also use consumer complaint procedures and guarantees.
How do consumer influences shape the food industry?
Changing societal demands lead to food production that includes quick, easy-to-prepare, and accessible options, single-serve portions, microwaveable meals, and nutritionally enhanced products for various lifestyles.
What environmental concerns are associated with the food industry?
Issues include chemical use, soil degradation, emissions, and packaging waste. Emerging trends emphasize sustainable farming, organic produce, improved waste disposal, recycling, and reduced packaging.
How does the food industry impact the economy?
It is the largest manufacturing industry, contributes $19 billion to exports, generates significant employment, and benefits from tourism growth.
How does the food industry influence society?
It shapes lifestyles, food choices, and cultural diversity. “Australian cuisine” combines European and Asian influences with fresh produce, and food plays a central role in celebrations with a wide variety of options available.
What career opportunities exist in the food industry?
Opportunities range from unskilled to highly skilled roles. Trends include growth in automation and marketing jobs, though some gender disparities persist.
What are the working conditions in the food industry?
They are diverse, including shift work, casual/part-time roles, and public holiday expectations. Salary negotiations are common, especially in small businesses, while larger organizations follow employment awards or agreements.
