Australia brings in buyers

Buyers, importers, wholesalers and retailers from six export markets in Asia will visit Australia as part of the annual Ausveg Reverse Trade Mission.

The mission, commissioned by Hort Innovation and supported by the Victorian government, gives Australian fruit and vegetable growers an opportunity to showcase their products.

A group of 40 delegates from Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand will visit seven fruit and vegetable farms to witness first-hand the produce Australian growers have to offer.

The delegates will also attend Hort Connections 2019 in Melbourne, where produce from 40 growers will be displayed at the Taste Australia Fresh Produce Showcase.

“Ausveg is working with growers to expand into more export markets as part of a broader, strategic focus by the horticulture industry to boost the value and competitiveness of our exports,” said Michael Coote, national manager – export development at Ausveg.

“The industry is currently in the middle of the biggest trade push in its history, so there has never been a more crucial time for international buyers to visit our shores.”

Coote said the vegetable industry is aiming to increase its export value to A$315m (US$219m) per year by 2020 and events such as these are key to achieving that target.

“The Reverse Trade Mission provides Australian growers with the opportunity to highlight the high-quality produce we have to offer and create valuable international business relationships, with the ultimate aim of boosting the value of exports in the Australian vegetable industry,” he said.

“It is exciting that, for the first time, the Australian onion, banana and melon industries are formally involved in the Taste Australia Fresh Produce Showcase. This shows international retailers first-hand the great quality of a broader range of fruit and vegetables that Australian growers can offer customers around the world.”