John Brady, the chief executive of Kagome Australia, which owns a plant in Echuca in Victoria, says political leadership is needed to resolve some big challenges the sector faces in remaining profitable, including high water prices.
"We're still paying today $220-230 a megalitre," he said.
Mr Brady wanted to see more transparency in the water market and access to local gas at a cheaper rate.
Click here to listen to John Brady, CEO Kagome, outline his concern with energy, transport and water policy.
The company uses gas to evaporate water from fruit, and Mr Brady said Kagome was Victoria's largest consumer in February and March each year. The gas price has been going up, as it is now linked to the expensive export market.
He pointed to his competitors in California, who had access to local gas supplies at local prices, and said that difference in energy costs was making it hard to compete globally.
He wanted to see some work done on the roll-on, roll-off points on the railway system.
On the positive side, Mr Brady was relieved the Federal Government took action on dumping, which put overseas products on the Australian market at below the cost of production.
