More than 40 Australian vegetable growers showcased their produce in front of leading buyers from Asia and the Middle East as part of a reverse trade mission on the Gold Coast on Friday (26 July).
The trade mission coincided with the 2015 National Horticulture Convention, with importers and wholesalers from Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates among the delegates.
Michael Coote, national manager of export development at industry body Ausveg, said the aim of the delegation was to increase the profile of the Australia’s A$256m (US$197m) vegetable export industry.
“The demand for premium quality Australian vegetables is rising, particularly with growing middle-class populations in Asia and the Middle East,” Coote explained. “We are confident that the networks formed during this trade mission will result in increased exports for Australian growers and promote the high quality of Australian produce throughout the region.”
As part of the reverse trade mission, delegates have met with leading producers and government officials in South Australia and Queensland over the last week, and visited wholesale markets, growing operations and retail outlets.
“Australian vegetable producers are perfectly positioned to capitalise on demand in large Asian and Middle Eastern markets,” Coote added. “Meeting with these buyers will give them the chance to seize exciting and potentially lucrative opportunities to export their produce to these markets.”
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