IMPORTERS, wholesalers and retailers from six export markets within Asia joined the annual AUSVEG Reverse Trade Mission, commissioned by Hort Innovation and supported by the Victorian Government.
The 2019 Reverse Trade Mission is part of a strategic levy investment using the Hort Innovation Vegetable Fund and will result in a delegation of buyers from a diverse range of export markets visiting seven fruit and vegetable farms to witness first-hand the high-quality produce that our growers have to offer.
The group of 40 delegates represented some of Australia’s most significant trading partners, including Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, Indonesia, Philippines and Thailand.
Reverse Trade Mission delegates also attended Hort Connections 2019, where the best of Australian produce was displayed by over 40 Australian fruit and vegetable growers at the Taste Australia Fresh Produce Showcase.
The Taste Australia Fresh Produce Showcase aims to cultivate and strengthen business relationships with key trading partners and highlight Australia’s attributes as a reliable trading partner for safe, high-quality fresh produce.
AUSVEG National Manager for Export Development, Michael Coote, said AUSVEG was 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.
“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,” he said.
“The vegetable industry is seeking to increase its export value to $315 million per year by 2020, an increase of 40 per cent from 2016. The Reverse Trade Mission provided 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 to help us achieve our ambitious target.
