A delegation of buyers from Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand and the UAE visited growing operations in Victoria, South Australia and Queensland as well as wholesale markets in Melbourne and Adelaide, before attending the Ausveg National Horticulture Conference at the Gold Coast last week.
A produce display event at the conference allowed 40 growers from across Australia to showcase their produce to the 40 retailers and importers, from potatoes and pre-packed vegetables to premium apples and pears.
“We’ve had strong interest from the Middle East for Australian carrots, onions and potatoes, while retailers in South East Asia are looking at additional leady greens, including pre-pack and ready-to-eat products,” explained Michael Coote, Ausveg national manager ofexport development, who helped lead the reverse trade mission alongside Austrade.
Coote said the 2016 event has built on the success of last year’s produce display event, with nearly every grower that showcased produce gaining new contacts and expanding exports.
Kok Kian Kee, general manager of fresh and perishables at Malaysian chain GCH Retail said this was his first year taking part in the reverse trade mission.
With 150 stores operating across Malaysia, from the hypermarket Giant to the supermarket Cold Storage as well as higher-end stores Mercato and Jasons, Kee said most of their fresh produce was source through importers.
“This year, I though I would come myself to meet the growers and look for opportunities to work with the growers directly,” Kee told Fruitnet. “This is a great opportunity to look at a range of produce, and I’m particularly interested in organics, salads and vegetables.
“Australian produce is premium, and is more economical, and closer, compared to the US.”
David Holman of Melbourne-based Tenfarms said the buyers event had surpassed expectations, with a range of retailers and importers offering opportunities for new trade.
“We’ve picked up customers from two new markets and are grateful to Ausveg for giving us the opportunity to attend such a huge event,” Holman said.
