Research shows that since the pandemic an overwhelming number of Australians want to buy locally produced products to support the economy and reduce reliance on overseas manufacturing.
But is that as simple as selecting a product that says ‘Made in Australia’?
Not necessarily so, says Sam Walker, founder of All Australian.com.au. He says the quest to support local industry can be confusing and that it’s important to understand the difference between Australian owned and Australian made.
The answer is to shop for independent Australian-owned products, first and foremost.
“While Australian made is a great choice, when the manufacturer is foreign owned, the true value of the purchase goes offshore,” he says, adding that while creating manufacturing jobs through buying Australian made is a great thing, brand value is the true, long-term source of wealth and prosperity.
“The biggest companies in the world derive their value from their brands, not their manufacturing. Think Microsoft, Nike, Coca-Cola, and the list goes on,” he says.
“When we purchase from independent Australian businesses, rather than own-brand and foreign-owned products, we develop the family owned, entrepreneurial businesses that support jobs, not just on the manufacturing floor, but in Australian office teams as well.
“We also ensure that company tax revenues, the big dollars, not just the personal income tax revenues, the smaller dollars, remain here in Australia to help support more Aussie families and jobs.”
Mr Walker says the ‘holy trinity’ of our daily shop for those seeking to support local business is Australian owned, Australian made and Australian ingredients. “However, this is not always possible,” he says, “which is why it is important to think about this decision in order – Australian owned first, Australian made second, Australian ingredients third.”
What does that mean, you ask?
“If the company that made the product is not independently Australian owned, look for something else,” he says. “If the product is Australian made, but foreign owned, seek an Australian owned product instead. If the product is Australian owned, Australian made and uses Australian ingredients, buy it – lots of it, and keep buying it.”
He offers a head start for anyone still finding the selection process a little confusing, with these staples on shelves that you might not realise are family owned, Aussie businesses:
- Bega. Yes, it has Vegemite back in Aussie hands and is a family owned, independent Australian business
- Bulla Dairy. These guys are a solid family owned business that’s more than 100 years old
- San Remo Pasta. Another Aussie family owned business since 1936
- Rosella. A favourite tomato sauce and back in Australian hands
- Organic Choice. A great Aussie brand for all your household cleaning needs
- Green’s. A great choice for baking products and sweet treats
- Nippy’s drinks. Farm grown and family made for more than 50 years
- Cobs Popcorn. Aussie-owned snack treats
- Mount Zero Olives. Australians family owned regional business reinvigorated in 1996
- Bundaberg Brewed Drinks. Aussie family owned drinks, brewed since 1960.
You can also find all great brands and more at www.all-australian.com.au
Have you become more determined to buy Australian products? Did you realise the difference between Australian made and Australian owned?
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