Produce sectors
South Australia has a reputation for world-leading produce, grown for local consumption and international export.
Our food and beverage industries are vital to the economy – download the latest industry scorecard to see trends and predictions.
Industry support
Development of our food sector is supported by these industry peak bodies:
South Australia's wine sector is developed in conjunction with:
- SA Wine Industry Association – the industry peak body
- grape and wine industry associations that assist grape growers and winemakers at the regional and state level.
Food and beverage sectors
Wine
Wine
SA accounts for 80% of Australia's premium wine, produced from some of the oldest vines in the world.
Our reputation for excellent quality-assurance means consumers and investors can rely on our wine being clean. Due to rigorous biosecurity measures and safety standards protecting the industry, our state is one of the few places in the world that is free of the vine-destroying pest phylloxera.
Adelaide is a member of the Great Wine Capitals global network, marking our place as the Australian home of premium food and wine.
Exports
South Australia exports famous wines to more than 100 countries, including major markets such as:
- United Kingdom
- China
- United States of America
- Canada.
Beer, cider, and spirits
Beer, cider, and spirits
SA produces beer, cider, and spirits that are loved by local and overseas consumers.
We are home to Coopers Brewery, which is the largest Australian-owned brewery and the world’s biggest producer of home-brewing equipment. The company is a leading family business run by fifth generation descendants of founder Thomas Cooper. It and was selected to brew and distribute Sapporo Premium Beer – one of Japan’s most popular beers.
South Australia is also an emerging champion of spirit production, with over 50 distilleries around the state crafting:
- gin
- whiskey
- rum
- vodka
- brandy
- liqueurs.
Beverages
Beverages
In addition to our iconic wine and alcohol, South Australia has a thriving local beverage industry.
A clean environment and impeccable production standards deliver the basis for quality products. Producers use fresh ingredients such as:
- milk from Jersey cows
- cordials made from generations-old recipes
- juices from Riverland oranges.
Dairy
Dairy
Fresh milk is readily available to local consumers and is a key ingredient in many dairy products, including:
- artisan cheese
- yoghurt
- cream
- ice cream
- gelati.
Strict food safety standards protect South Australia’s dairy industry, meaning consumers and investors can be confident in the quality of our products.
Exports
Our dairy exports include processed milk, cheese and butter, which are most popular in:
- China
- Indonesia
- New Zealand.
Grains and crops
Grains and crops
Grains and crops are SA’s most important industries, generating high revenue from commodity and processed products.
Our grain production is sustainable and entirely rain fed, without irrigation. It is grown with minimal or no use of fertilisers and chemicals.
The state’s crops include wheat, barley, canola, and other seeds and pulses. This industry employs more than 20,000 people in production, baking, milling, and manufacturing cereal, malt, and beverages.
Exports
South Australian grains are used locally and around the world, in the production of high-quality beers, breads, pastas and oils. About 85% of our grains are exported to 75 countries, including:
- Indonesia
- Saudi Arabia
- China
- Egypt
- Bangladesh.
Horticulture
Horticulture
SA's horticulture sector produces fruits, nuts and vegetables which significantly contribute to the local and national market. Our major crops include potatoes, tomatoes and mushrooms.
Local growers benefit from our diverse regional climates which create high-quality, clean and safe produce.
The Adelaide Hills is ideal for apples, pears, cherries, and strawberries. The Riverland is known for its citrus, stone fruit, and almonds. The Adelaide Plains greenhouse producers grow tomatoes, cucumbers, and capsicums. Potato and onion growers are located across the state, including in the Limestone Coast, Mallee, Riverland and Adelaide Plains.
Exports
Citrus fruit and almonds are the largest horticultural exports produced in the state, with these main international destinations:
- China
- Japan
- Germany
- New Zealand.
Livestock
Livestock
Our focus on sustainable, humane, and innovative methods has contributed to growth in several livestock sectors. The state is dedicated to research and development, which also helps local businesses to improve production.
SA leads the nation in pork processing at around 1.3 million pigs a year – a quarter of the national output. The sector has more than doubled in the past 2 decades.
We have more than 2,800 beef producers, bringing in a huge portion of the state's revenue.
SA runs 16% of the national sheep flock, which delivers lamb and mutton meat, as well as significant returns on wool.
The chicken industry has widely expanded in the past decade, with poultry processing our fastest growing livestock industry.
Exports
Major export destinations for South Australian livestock include:
- United States of America
- China
- South Korea
- Japan.
In 1980, SA became the first state to legalise kangaroo meat for human consumption. We now harvest and export the lean meat to Europe. Watch Macro Meat's masterclass video to learn about the benefits of Paroo kangaroo meat and ways to cook various cuts.
Seafood
Seafood
SA has a reputation for premium, sustainable seafood. Our pristine waters are home to some of the world’s sought-after produce, such as:
- rock lobster
- tuna
- oysters
- prawns.
SA town Port Lincoln is known as the seafood capital of Australia due to the excellent quality of its products, and high level of port activity. Its economic benefits include an innovative tuna industry which produces sashimi-grade product for export.
Exports
South Australian seafood is in demand locally and in key global markets, including:
- Japan
- Hong Kong
- United States of America.
Research
Our standards ensure that seafood has impeccable environmental credentials. The state’s aquatic environment is protected through a network of reserves, environmental monitoring, aquatic animal health programs, and strict zoning requirements.
SA's aquaculture zoning is underpinned by research into oceanography, environmental biology, and fisheries science. These are conducted by the following PIRSA divisions:
Processed foods
Processed foods
SA makes a wide range of processed premium products, with post-harvest value added in:
- packing
- cleaning
- cold-chain management
- food manufacturing.
The processing sector is made up of small to medium-sized companies, many of which are regional and family-owned. Markets for this industry include local food service and retail.
Exports
South Australia has global manufacturers processing large volumes of primary produce, such as grain and meat. We also send targeted exports to high-value markets in:
- Asia
- United States of America
- Europe.
