East Gippsland food and wine strategy launched
Tuesday, 9 August 2011
Deputy Premier Peter Ryan joined representatives of the local wine and hospitality industry at the launch of a Supply Chain and Logistics Strategy for the Eastern Gippsland Food and Wine Network in Sale today.
Speaking at the launch, Mr Ryan said the project included a two stage strategy to help support small to medium producers entering regional and metro markets within Victoria.
"The networking event in Sale today represents stage one of the project; helping to bring together buyers and sellers to share ideas and experiences about the market," Mr Ryan said.
"In the past there have been issues with lack of suitable transport infrastructure for small and specialised items, no door-to-door delivery to food service outlets, no ordering mechanism and lack of contracts for seasonal products.
"What's great about these events is being able to see a practical demonstration of the East Gippsland Food and Wine Network putting their goals and ideas into motion."
Mr Ryan said the second stage of the strategy would include the development of an interactive website that would support a virtual market place for local producers to promote food and wine products.
"This will be a valuable promotional tool that will be professionally supported and maintained by a cooperative of food businesses," Mr Ryan said.
Mr Ryan said the East Gippsland Food and Wine Network was developed with the purpose of giving consumers, agencies and industry bodies the chance to familiarise and discover the quality and diversity of the food and wine produce of eastern Gippsland.
"The network will receive a grant of $6,500 to support the strategy though the Local Life, Local Events program, which is sub program of the Coalition Government's new $1 billion Regional Growth Fund," Mr Ryan said.
The Local Life, Local Events program aims to strengthen participation in events and support economic growth, particularly by encouraging the use of local goods and services from businesses.
