Event forms part of the Australia-Japan Horticulture Showcase initiative designed to strengthen trading relationship between Australia and Japan
Leaders from Japan’s fresh produce and food industries had the chance to experience the best of Australian horticulture at a showcase dinner in Tokyo on March 11.
’The Taste of the Land Down Under in the Land of the Rising Sun’ event was joint-hosted by Hort Innovation; Austrade; and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF); with support from Global Victoria, and the Tasmanian government.
The event formed part of the Australia-Japan Horticulture Showcase initiative, which commenced in 2024. The ongoing programme – which is funded by Hort Innovation’s Frontiers and DAFF’s Showcasing Australian Horticulture Grant – is designed to strengthen and expand the trading relationship between Australia and Japan.
The dinner featured strong industry representation from across Australian horticulture, including Apple and Pear Australia, Australian Fresh Produce Alliance (AFPA), the Australian Table Grape Association, Ausveg, Berries Australia, Citrus Australia, Melons Australia, and Summerfruit Australia.
Hort Innovation CEO Brett Fifield said the event brought the “very best” of Australian fresh produce directly to Japanese trading partners.
“This programme is an important step in showcasing Australia’s role as a global leader in horticultural innovation and sustainable production and supply, while solidifying the trade ties with Japan, a key market for Australian horticulture,” Fifield said.
“We currently see A$169mn worth of produce exported to Japan each year, so this is an important opportunity for our growers. We are proud to represent our growers and join with our government and industry partners to continue telling the story of the diverse and delicious array of world-class horticultural produce grown in Australia.”
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Agriculture counsellor for Japan, James Strachan, said Australian horticulture enjoys a strong international reputation.
“Initiatives such as the Taste of the Land Down Under in the Land of the Rising Sun showcase are key to further raising the profile of all that Australian horticulture has to offer the important Japanese market, while strengthening relations to further realise the many mutual benefits,” Strachan said.
Austrade trade and investment commissioner in Japan, Kendall Draper, said Japan is a well-established and highly valued trading partner for Australian horticulture.
“Building on these strong foundations, this Tokyo event as part of the Australia-Japan Horticulture Showcase, is a vital opportunity to develop new connections, share knowledge and promote mutual understanding, as we seek to foster and strengthen two-way trade between our nations,” Draper added.
