World Grain - August 2016 - 88

FEATURE

2016

Australian Milling Conference

he courting of the lucrative Asian market and a move
toward sustainability were the main topics of discussion at the 2016 Poultry Information Exchange and the
Australian Milling Conference, held May 29-31 at the Gold
Coast Convention and Exhibition Center.
The conference attracted over 140 companies and many
more delegates to make it one of the largest in the event's history. Speakers from across the spectrum spoke on many topics including demand for protein, changing consumer trends,
sustainable production and grain production.
The presentations tied into the overall themes of sustainability and the future of the Australian milling and feed industries. Also discussed were the restaurant dining boom and the
Asian middle class who are largely driving it.
Conference speakers included representatives from Grain
Growers Ltd., Commonwealth Bank, Rabobank, Coles, a major supermarket chain, a recycling business, feed suppliers, a
leading agricultural and food processing recruiter.
FLOUR MILLING CHALLENGES, OPPORTUNITIES
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ties, Laucke Flour Mills.
Throughout his presentation, he outlined the challenges
and the opportunities the industry was currently faced with
including product labeling, dietary trends, market access and
grain quality.
Like others who spoke at the conference, Cobb talked about
The trade show floor was busy at the 2016 Australian Milling Conference.
Photos by Chris Gillies.
88

by Chris Gillies

Sustainability discussed at this year's
event, which attracted representatives
from more than 140 companies

market access and a need to add value to products in order to
compete with countries that could produce cheaply.
Describing Australia as the "delicatessen," not the food bowl,
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niche product and to move away from a commoditized one.
Success and growth, he said, depended on whether a company could develop products that met the expectations of both
low demanding and high demanding customers.
Cobb referenced Australia's Agricultural Competitiveness
White Paper released last year. The policy includes informaWLRQRQEXLOGLQJLQIUDVWUXFWXUHIDUPLQJPRUHHI¿FLHQWO\DF
cess to premium markets and a stronger approach to drought
and risk management.
Cobb said Australian consumers were increasingly taking dietary advice from celebrity experts who make claims
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fad as an example, which has become very popular among
Australian consumers.
This is a challenge to the industry, which is faced with a consumer who opts for gluten-free for lifestyle, not health reasons.
This tied in neatly, he said, with confusion that can arise from
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