Recent work completed by SASI in conjunction with the FRDC as part of Restaurant 2006 and with support funding from the SA Government, has identified potential for positioning a “basket” of seafood into niche high end markets in Sydney.

These customers demand certainty of supply to quality specifications. If their requirements can be met substantial price premiums are on offer.

The main State-based seafood producing sectors located in regional South Australia are characterised by a large number of small operators with limited capacity to develop and implement sustained and strategic market development programs.

To develop the opportunities identified, a cultural and operational shift in approach to supplying customers in a managed way and away from the current price driven daily spot market approach, must occur.

The project is part of the SA Seafood Food Plan (2005) implementation program.