A recent study by Roy Morgan Research has revealed that 69 per cent of Australians have actively sought locally manufactured products in the past year, with 73 per cent expressing a willingness to pay more for Australian Made items as the festive season approaches.
Notably, a third of respondents indicated a readiness to pay up to a 10 per cent premium for products adorned with the green and gold kangaroo logo.
Ben Lazzaro, chief executive of Australian Made, emphasised the value-driven choices consumers are making this Christmas.
Lazzaro stated, “Price is a variable that comes into play with purchasing decisions; however, we are seeing more and more consumers switch to the value proposition and making more sustainable purchases.”
“Attributes such as quality, safety, health and high standards, environmentally friendly and ethical manufacturing are strongly aligned with Aussie products and play a significant role in influencing consumers’ purchasing decisions,” he added.
Lazzaro also pointed out that while Australian-made products may not always be more expensive, consumers recognise that paying a bit more means acquiring a product manufactured to some of the world’s highest standards in terms of quality and safety.
“The famous green and gold kangaroo not only communicates the ‘Australianness’ of products, it also conveys many of these favourable attributes. What’s more, four in five Aussies indicate a positive feeling when buying Australian Made,” he noted.
To date, over 4,500 businesses have certified thousands of products with the iconic green and gold Australian Made kangaroo.
Lazzaro encouraged Australian Made manufacturers to actively promote their local credentials across all channels this festive season, including online, social media, and at the point of sale.
He stated, “Consumers have told us that this is what they are interested in and what they have a preference for.”
Funky Monkey Bars, based in Perth, is one of the proud Australian manufacturers. The company produces a range of Monkey Bars, Climbing Frames, and Swing Sets for Aussie backyards, making them a popular gift choice from Santa.
Tracey Roberts, director of Marketing & Communications at Funky Monkey Bars, underscored the importance of choosing locally made goods for Christmas, highlighting the quality, sustainability, and support for local industries.
Roberts said, “Choosing locally made goods this Christmas is about gifting quality, sustainable products and supports ongoing investment in local design, innovation, manufacturing, and knowledge building.”
“When you choose local, you know kids receive the highest quality gifts (and have the most fun) and that a viable local industry will be available for them in the years to come,” she added.
