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It’s an exciting time for the agribusiness, food & beverage industry in Australia. As global demand for food grows, the industry is increasingly focusing on innovative farming techniques, stringent food safety standards, and sustainable resource management to balance this demand with environmental responsibilities.
Despite the opportunities driven by supportive policies, trade agreements, and investments, the sector faces ongoing challenges. Supply chain disruptions, labour shortages, extreme weather conditions, and rising interest rates and inflation are driving up costs across various product segments. Businesses in manufacturing, farming, and retail are now faced with critical decisions: whether to diversify their operations, pass costs onto consumers, or explore alternative strategies to stay competitive.
To thrive, the industry must prioritise innovation, operational efficiency, and strategic use of incentives. These approaches will be essential for navigating the evolving landscape and maintaining a competitive edge.
The Agribusiness, Food & Beverage industry has seen a consistent level of deal activity despite significant headwinds which have impacted the sector and the broader economy. Through our analysis of 1,466 global transactions for the Ag, F&B sector in the 18-month period to December 2022, transaction multiples have remained strong – a pleasing result for businesses undertaking divestment activity. Yet while businesses focused on food manufacturing, food waste minimisation, technology and sustainability are booming, acquisition trends are declining due to increased costs primarily linked to supply chain and inflationary pressures. Read more about M&A and equity markets in our report.
Why is the Australian agribusiness, food & beverage sector so well respected? It’s because we have stringent requirements around quality and safety – that bar continues to rise as your business grows. Director duties are becoming more complex to cover issues like ESG, sustainability and cyber security. Export provides an additional level of compliance based on the unique requirements for each jurisdiction you operate in. Whether it’s tax, audit or risk, we cut through the compliance and complexity.
It’s no surprise that tech advancements and innovation now dominate most sectors. Processes have been enhanced by the introduction of new technologies, enabling a positive change to business and operational efficiencies. These range across streamlining farming practices, using automation and artificial intelligence to drive production and improve harvest results, through to reducing reliance on manual labour and increasing the sustainability of agriculture. This era of digital transformation also means disruption for organisations unable to keep up with the fast pace of change, which can quickly be left behind.
With the recent floods, the continuing war in Ukraine and ongoing COVID-19 impacts, disruption is putting pressure on manufacturing and agricultural supplies. With disturbance to production in some countries, global demand for Australian produce has risen due to its perception as a reliable and quality product supplier. Based on Australia’s scale and capabilities, we can leverage current market conditions as an opportunity to improve processes, build strong trade relationships and develop resilient supply chains. The $15b National Reconstruction Fund will be instrumental to support these aspirations and build sustainable economic growth, with $500m allocated towards value-adding across agriculture, forestry, fisheries, food and fibre.
There’s rising demand for premium ‘Australian Made’ products around the world. With growing populations, rising incomes and urbanisation changing consumer preferences, this is a prime opportunity for the Australian agriculture, fisheries and forestry sectors – particularly to export into the Asian market. Beyond producing high value, high quality products, to support your growth trajectory, you’ll need to consider both State and Federal support grant opportunities such as EMDG, customs and trade efficacies, tax planning and transfer pricing.
Australia has a long history of innovation in the agribusiness, food & beverage space, ranging from investing in 'better for you' foods and alternatives, to the market using technology across agricultural processes, disease outbreaks or managing waste. However, we know going from concept to commercialisation can be a tricky process. The support and incentives are there, and our experts in innovation incentives understand the nuances to make the system work for you.
Our expert audit approach will help you look beyond compliance – helping you builds transparency, identify risks, improve strategies and internal processes.
We work with clients at all stages of their business lifecycle – and through all their organisation’s major events – to navigate tax obligations.
We work closely with key stakeholders – including owners, managers and lenders – to quickly identify and resolve issues affecting profitability, protect enterprise value and recover value.
Whether you’re considering investment or need access to finance, we can present your case to potential funders and negotiate a long-term sustainable relationship.
Spanning across strategy, technology, financial and risk management, our team supports you with hands-on, proactive advice on all aspects of sustainable growth.
Spanning across dispute advisory, investigations, AML/CTF compliance – our experts can help you navigate the complexities you’ll encounter on your journey.
Our expert audit approach will help you look beyond compliance – helping you builds transparency, identify risks, improve strategies and internal processes.
Whether you’re considering investment or need access to finance, we can present your case to potential funders and negotiate a long-term sustainable relationship.
We work with clients at all stages of their business lifecycle – and through all their organisation’s major events – to navigate tax obligations.
Spanning across strategy, technology, financial and risk management, our team supports you with hands-on, proactive advice on all aspects of sustainable growth.
We work closely with key stakeholders – including owners, managers and lenders – to quickly identify and resolve issues affecting profitability, protect enterprise value and recover value.
Spanning across dispute advisory, investigations, AML/CTF compliance – our experts can help you navigate the complexities you’ll encounter on your journey.
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In the meantime, if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us via communications@au.gt.com.
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