In the wake of the current bushfires in South Australia, and with many more weeks of a dangerous fire season ahead, Food South Australia CEO Catherine Sayer says consumers are focused on supporting local brands affected by the fires, but are indicating they are unsure how to know which products to buy.
Food South Australia is the peak industry association for food and beverage manufacturers, processors and producers in South Australia. Ms Sayer says the association is receiving enquiries from consumers about ways people can show their support for businesses through the fire-affected areas.
"The Food South Australia website has an extensive directory of South Australian products, so it is an easy reference to know you are supporting local businesses," Ms Sayer said.
"The I Choose SA logo, which identifies local brands, and programs such as Eat Local SA which help consumers find restaurants, pubs, cafes and retailers who go out of their way to support local producers, are also great ways to find local South Australian products, and help producers by helping the venues who buy from them too," she said.
"In many cases, it is about continuing to do what South Australian consumers already to. It's still all about those everyday purchasing decisions – by continuing to buy South Australian products at the supermarket you can still be confident you are supporting the businesses," she said.
"Every one of those purchases is directly supporting jobs and businesses here in South Australia. If the product you are looking for isn't available, make sure the next time you shop you look for it again and ask the store to get it in for you."
Ms Sayer said the outpouring of support for everyone in the bushfire zones has been overwhelming and is appreciated.
"We know from talking to many of our members that they are very aware of the goodwill and best wishes of consumers, and it means a great deal to them as they tackle their recovery.
"We are also doing all we can to keep industry informed of impacts and sources of advice as these become available," she said.
"It is important to remember that it's very early days in terms of the fires in the Adelaide Hills and on Kangaroo Island, and businesses in those areas are actually still dealing with hotspots, as well as getting to grips with what they need to do to get back on track."
Food South Australia is liaising with the food and beverage industry and government agencies to connect affected businesses with support and advice and has set up a webpage where offers of assistance and requests for help can be located. The page can be found by clicking on the link on the Food SA homepage at www.foodsouthaustralia.com.au.
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About Food South Australia
Food South Australia is an independent, industry-led and membership-based organisation, representing small, medium and large companies across the food and beverage sector in South Australia. Food South Australia is the peak body for the food and beverage industry in South Australia.
