The goal was supported by some of the world’s largest food service providers, who told the crowd of 1100 attendees the “casual dining” boom was an opportunity for the lamb industry to influence food trends and grow demand.

“The Australian sheep meat service was listed on the Australian stock exchange today and you’re all shareholders of that company,” said LambEx master of ceremonies Alex Ball.

“The challenge is to make sure we grow the share of Australian sheep meat services by 400 per cent in the next five years.

“You need to be the miners of the future and drive change.”

Head chef of the world’s largest food distributor Neil Doherty, Sysco Corporations, said the growth of “casual dining”, over fine dining, had increasing demand for lamb.

Sysco Corp turned over $48 billion last year from 425,000 customers.

The companies lamb sales have increased 20 per cent in the past four years to 4628 tonnes sold in 2015, of which 37.7pc was sourced from Australia.

“The demand for lamb in the last four years is unbelievable,” Mr Doherty said.

“America is into flavours now - we are working with several food chains who are looking to put a lamb burger on the menu.”

The company’s 200 chefs conduct demonstrations with “street customers”, or small restaurants owners, which Mr Doherty said were aimed at influencing food trends.

“This is an opportunity to place lamb on the menu – if you can make your mark on the US’s 325 million population, you are talking huge volume,” he said.

However, he said, the industry was being challenged by greater consumer awareness and increased production transparency.

“The average punter at restaurants is asking questions, about how their food is produced and whether it’s been humanely slaughtered, which we haven’t experienced before,” he said.

The hot topic of consumer awareness was explored by futurist Paul Higgins, Emergent Futures, who challenged the audience to predict what the industry’s customer would look like in two decades and how producers would adapt to the hugely connected world.

“Producers who win in 2036 will be willing to turnaround how things work, rethink business models and actually get a hold of the top 20 per cent of prime customers who are more connected and seeking more information through transparency,” Mr Higgins said.

“(Successful producers will be required) to create experiences, not just products.”

He said the future would be driven by new margins, stemmed from a virtually connected customer, which would require an increase in transparency, innovations and connectedness with producers and consumers.

“A virtual reality environment gives consumers an experience, context and transparency, (in turn) that gives you the high margin customer that is connected to your product, your company and a willingness to pay a high margin,” Mr Higgins said.

He said the industry culture would need to shift from a production focus to a customer focus.

“The great thing about the digital data solution is that you can be customer focused, but also it’s a useful tool to reduce cost and improve efficiency in your operation at the same time,” Mr Higgins said.

“The use of data through technology can create value and solve problems.”