This is one of the key findings of the State of the Industry Report 2020, recently released by the Produce Marketing Association Australia - New Zealand Limited (PMA-ANZ).
The organisation commissioned Ernst & Young to explore supply chain inefficiencies within the fresh produce industry of both countries, and to identify opportunities for improvement and strategies to address consumer trends.
“From the producer to the consumer there is a desire for more information”, PMA-ANZ chief executive Darren Keating says.
“Data sharing, and the challenges that come with it are consistent opportunities for improvement to address consumer trends.”
The report also highlights key emerging trends, which have arisen rapidly as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic and the arrival of a significant and unexpected new mega driver.
“Covid-19 has driven change at a rapid pace, affecting the way we work, live, eat, move and use technology”, Keating says. “Trends that we had seen as slow burners that were to be prominent in shaping our future are here now.”
These include the rapid adoption of communication technology and online shopping, as well as a reset in the way the industry views food safety and health and safety.
The report provides support for the Australian and New Zealand fresh produce industry to identify, understand and adapt to the transformational trends of Covid-19.
“It is the starting point for industry, supply chains and businesses to look at the new trends that are shaping our world,” Keating adds. “Factors affecting how we run our businesses, and an understanding of the mindset of the post-pandemic consumer.”
