Largest-ever trade push for Aussie vegetables announced
Horticulture Innovation has launched its biggest ever trade push following the announcement of an Australian Federal Government plan to significantly grow exports by 2025.
The new ‘Taste Australia’ program will help promote premium Australian produce in current and future overseas markets. It will also see more research and development to grow market access, as well as increased support for current and aspiring exporters.
Vegetable industry group, AUSVEG, has welcomed the program, saying it will help solidify Australia’s premium position when it comes to food.
“Australia has an international reputation for being naturally blessed, including our spectacular climate and beautiful landscapes,” said AUSVEG Chief Executive Officer, James Whiteside.
“Taste Australia is a valuable initiative that will tap into this national image while telling the unique story of our growers to give overseas consumers a sense of Australia with every bite.”
Taste Australia was developed in consultation with growers, state and federal government agencies, along with other trade stakeholders. The program will be presented at Asia Fruit Logistica in Hong Kong next month. It will then go on a six-month tour of trade shows across the world.
As part of the export push, Horticulture Innovation and AUSVEG say they will work to increase the value of vegetable exports to $315 million by 2020, equivalent to a 40 per cent increase overall as part of the Vegetable Industry Export Strategy published this year.
This will be achieved through relationship-building, supporting industry to get export-ready, boosting supply chain efficiencies and overseas activities.
“The vegetable industry is in an excellent position to capitalise on expanding markets for premium fresh produce, like the increasing middle class in south east Asia and the Middle East, and we’re continuing to work with growers to increase our industry’s export readiness,” Whiteside said.
