Businesses hopping to it: Australian producers and manufacturers rush to brand products as genuinely Aussie

More and more Australian businesses are registering for certification schemes to demonstrate quality, safety and ethical values.

According to Australian Made Campaign Chief Executive, Ian Harrison, the average number of businesses registering to use the Australian Made, Australian Grown logo each month has almost doubled over the past year.

The not-for-profit Australian Made Campaign administers and promotes the iconic green-and-gold kangaroo, which has been used by producers and manufacturers to promote their products as genuinely Australian for nearly three decades.

“Our research shows country-of-origin is a key factor in product purchase decisions, particularly for food, and consumers are looking for goods made and grown in Australia, so it’s no surprise that businesses are keen to capitalise on country-of-origin branding,” Mr Harrison said.

“The Australian Made, Australian Grown logo is the only registered country-of-origin certification trade mark for all classes of Australian goods – as well as third party accreditation it is a powerful selling tool.”

Mr Harrison said the sharp rise in use of the logo could be largely attributed to increasing awareness of the benefits of locally made and grown goods, and the impact buying locally has on the economy, community and environment.

“Consumers might buy Aussie out of a sense of responsibility, but at the end of the day, products made and grown here are often better quality and value, and that keeps consumers coming back for more,” Mr Harrison said.

Mr Harrison says the lower Australian dollar is also helping.

“Our reputation for producing products and produce to high quality and safety standards is driving sales in Australia, but we’re also seeing a huge impact overseas – opportunities for exporters are booming,” Mr Harrison said.

“It is fantastic that after almost thirty years, the Australian Made, Australian Grown logo is still delivering significant competitive advantages for Aussie fishermen, producers and manufacturers.”

All certified Australian Made, Australian Grown and Australian Seafood products can be found online in the product directory at www.australianmade.com.au.