South Australia’s plant protein set to transform the nation’s food industry
South Australia aims to be a leader in Australia’s pulse protein ingredient manufacturing industry, supporting the transformation of Australia’s plant-based food and beverage value chain.
Australia produces an average of 2.8 million metric tonnes of pulses from more than 2 million hectares.
On average, South Australia produces over 24 per cent of the nation’s pulses, with the majority exported overseas in their raw form.
The premium quality of South Australian pulses is supporting pulse exports as international demand grows in some of the world’s largest markets.
Why South Australia
Manufacture where you grow
South Australia is the ideal location for next generation plant protein manufacturers. With some of the world’s best consistent agricultural and cropping regions, South Australia is renowned as a producer of global premium quality pulses (chickpeas, lentils, lupins and faba beans), grains (oats, wheat and barley), and has demonstrated hemp production capability.
With scale production in all the core pulse varieties with established export markets, South Australia produces 50% of Australia’s lentils, 37% share of faba beans, and 37% share of field peas and is a significant oat producer. The state’s central location allows efficient sourcing of input ingredients across the country.
Largest concentration of agricultural research in the Southern Hemisphere
South Australia has extensive research and development proficiency in pulse and grain production underpinned by the Waite Research Precinct, the largest agricultural research and development precinct in the Southern Hemisphere, complemented by the state’s focus on building capability in food science and further value-adding.
Centrally located
As the central junction of the nation, South Australia presents an ideal hub for your company. Adelaide offers the highly sophisticated infrastructure of a capital city, with farmland and production facilities only 30 minutes from the central business district.
The state’s logistics network of heavy vehicle expressways, numerous rail intermodals connected to national road and rail routes, an international port and airport, allows the reliable and efficient movement of freight around Australia and overseas.
Traceable clean green products
With a world-wide reputation for clean, green and safe ingredients, South Australia has a foothold in Asian markets were there is demand for healthy, nutritious plant-based food.
World-leading capabilities in advanced technologies
Our state’s agribusiness, manufacturing and artificial intelligence innovation precincts provide a strong foundation for developing ground-breaking food products and plant protein processing technologies that respond to a variety of consumer tastes and needs.
The state is already home to many global food manufacturers and our significant local food manufacturing capability is well-connected, collaborative and can partner on product development, commercialisation and contract manufacturing.
Established food processing industry
With global food manufacturers based in the state, manufacturing capability is well-connected, collaborative and can partner on product development, commercialisation and contract manufacturing.
Integrated clean energy network
South Australia leads the nation in low-cost renewable energy with over 70% of our electricity generation from renewables.
Most cost-competitive city in Australia
South Australia has a lower cost business environment with the city, the most liveable in Australia, in close proximity to agricultural producers and multi-logistic networks.
Case study
South Australia Research and Development Institute (SARDI) National Breeding Programs: Oats
The National Oat Breeding Program based in South Australia and led by SARDI has a proud, almost 20-year history of successful partnership with industry to develop healthier, higher yielding more productive oat varieties – such as those with improved beta-glucan content in the grain to help reduce blood cholesterol levels. These oat products also have the potential to be marketed as a gluten free alternative.
Up to 85% of the 160,000 tonnes of milling oats grown in south-eastern Australia are the result of this program.
One of the program’s most successful varieties, Mitika, now comprises more than 80% of the oats used by global brand, Uncle Tobys, in popular porridge and muesli bar snacks.
This process can be applied to pulses grown in South Australia.
Talk to us
Contact us to explore investing in Plant Protein
Nicolle Sincock
Director - Food, wine and agribusiness
Expert advice, support and guidance for exporters, buyers and investors looking to tap into South Australia’s internationally recognised food, wine and agribusiness sector.
