Introduction
Opportunities in Asia are considerable. The food industry
and Asian markets are a vital part of Australia's future economic growth.
The total value of the food industry is estimated at around $64 million per
annum. Asian markets have become increasingly important to Australian food
exporters over the last five years.
It is estimated that Asian food consumption is growing by $20 million each
year, as a result of increasing income and population levels and changing
tastes.
The goal of
AustAsia Fresh Foods is to focus on building exports of
food products to Asia.
Major categories
The major categories of exports are grains (30%), meat (25%), processed foods
(20%) and dairy and seafood (25%).
Research has shown that there is a significant niche market for premium quality
fresh fruit and vegetables which cannot be grown readily in the tropicalclimate
of South Asia.
Major Markets
Japan is the largest trading partner (40%) followed by China, Indonesia,Malaysia
and Korea.
Promotions
Promotional activities include:
- Regular press releases and media interviews
- The quarterly magazine Supermarket Asia which will be distributed
throughout Asia. It features profiles, case studies, export events and news
- Internet - AustAsia Fresh Foods is establishing its own website
on the Internet, which will enable us to distribute and exchange information
on a range of topics, including forthcoming events and statistics on Asian
markets.
Promoting Australian Foods in Asia
A range of activities is planned for Asian markets including:
Retail and food service promotions
There is considerable interest from other exporters in participating on a
shared basis in Australian Food promotions. Promotions will be organisedin
Taiwan, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Vietnam and the Philippines.
"Quality Food Australia" logo
To meet the increasing quality demands of Asian customers, appropriate quality
assurance systems have been developed to meet the increasing demands of Asian
customers.
Other programs that are planned in Asia include:
- Participation in trade missions to Asian markets
- Participation in Asian food shows around Asia
- Affiliation with Australia Business Councils and Chambers of Commerce.