Two in three Aussies say they often or always buy Australian made products and more than four in five Aussies say buying Australian made is important to them, recent research reveals.
The 2023 AGHA Melbourne Gift Fair (5-9 August) is once again giving retail buyers the chance to get behind fellow Aussies, with the Australian Made Pavilion including Australian made products as part of its retail offering.
This year’s gift fair will include 21 local manufacturers with products of Australian Made status including candles, fragrances, skincare, kitchen items and toys.
Cascie Kambouris established her business, Little Bread Winner, nine months ago and says she secured 19 retailers across the country at the Sydney fair, which helped to grow the business quickly.
“I can’t imagine missing a fair now,” she says.
“I am so excited to see who we can meet and what we can learn this time. We received a lot of feedback and ideas for our product, so this is really valuable for us. It’s not just about the sales, it’s so much more than that.”
Little Bread Winner produces Australian made bread saws, specialty bread boards and accessories. The company was founded following Kambouris’ struggle with wrist movement, creating a product being embraced by clients who suffer with arthritis, with the saw giving them back the freedom to cut bread again.
The business is proud to produce Australian made products.
“I think it’s the responsibility of every Australian business to keep as much money in this country as possible,” she adds.
Linda Hickey, CEO of the Australian Gifts and Homewares Association (AGHA), says Australian made products are an important point of difference for retailers.
“The Australian Made Pavilion provides a space for attendees interested in supporting the growth of Australia’s gift and homewares manufacturing industry,” she explains.
“Australian manufacturers produce some of the highest quality products in the world, making them the perfect choice for gifting, all year round.
“Australian Made approved products are a point of difference for retailers. A trip to the pavilion ensures attendees can explore locally made products as part of their retail offering.”
Since the pavilion’s first launch at the 2020’s Sydney Gift Fair, Australian Made’s senior partnerships and communications officer, Caitlin Blair, has continued to receive positive feedback from businesses and attendees involved.
“The feedback we’ve received from both buyers and makers at AGHA’s gift fairs has been overwhelmingly positive,” she enthuses.
“Buyers have told us they are looking to stock more authentic and unique Australian made products and makers want an effective way to connect with these buyers, so the inclusion of the pavilion is a win-win. It allows buyers to easily identify certified Australian Made products and gives a platform to our Aussie made businesses to showcase their offerings.”
Blair further explains that the impact of having Australian made products in retail stores can be a great contributor to the broader Australian economy.
“When you buy Aussie products, you are investing in thousands of Australians at all stages of the supply chain, from the local makers and producers to their Aussie service providers, the flow-on effects can be significant.
“You’re also getting products made to some of the highest standards in the world with respect to quality, ethical labour and environmental impact,” she adds.
Visitors can enter through door 17 to make their way to the Australian Made Pavilion at the 2023 Melbourne Gift Fair.
