Abstract
This developmental paper discusses research relating to a proposed localised food processing facility in the Northern Territory, Australia. This facility provides opportunity to consider several sustainability themes including disruption of mainstream food systems, barriers to sustainable innovation (i.e. proposed facility relies on the latest shelf-stable food technologies for producing), and satisfying market demand for sustainably produced goods. This study involved desk-top research reviewing industry reports and relevant academic literature, in-depth interviews with food industry stakeholders, as well as an audit of shelf-stable product strategies. This developmental paper presents top-line findings of the rationale for localised shelf-stable food processing using new technologies. These include market opportunities for shelf-stable products made from local produce, which includes food that would otherwise be wasted), as well as competitive advantages based around key sustainability themes that can assist in the marketing of such products.