The oyster industry is characterised by a dependancy on a long and complex supply chain and it is one cause of poor product condition and presentation at point of retail.
1. This application results from the strategic setting directions of the CRC Oyster Consortium, as a body representing the interests of the oyster growing industry within the Seafood CRC. Whilst the consortium do not have a fully articulated strategic plan, Marketing (& Supply Chain) was identified in 2007, and confirmed in 2008, as the third highest research priority for the industry. Please refer to priority matrix completed by the Oyster Consortium in April, 2008 and attached as Appendix 1 to the CDIPM Proposal.
2. The Oyster Consortium also recognises that an examination of the structure and costs within the supply chain is vital before any market focussed projects can be designed and funded for the oyster industry. Analysing the supply chain and incorporating elements of the supply chain into market strategies was identified as a priority at a market investment meeting of the Oyster Consortium on 7 August 2008.
3. There is a need to build the capacity for supply chain analysis within the Seafood CRC. The University of Adelaide has committed the time and expertise of a new Post Doctorate fellow to assist this project at no cost to the project. This will assist the University of Adelaide to build its expertise in Australian Oyster supply chain issues with a view to assisting them with work that may arise from this project.
4. Results of supply chain performance studies support the need for this project to better understand the opportunities to create value for all participants in the supply chain.
Final report
Australian oyster growers have a greater level of understanding about how their product moves through the supply chain from when they produce to when it is purchased by consumers. This knowledge will allow growers to be better informed and so allow them to make better business decisions in how they market their oysters. Further, the information provides growers with a better understanding of the factors that influence the purchasing decisions of others in the supply chain and hopefully to dispel some of the ‘myths’ associated with the marketing of oysters. Importantly, the report provides a total of 11 prioritised recommendations for the industry to consider that in the opinion of the consultant will contribute to improved consumption and / or profit sustainability
