On 11 November, members from The Australian Food and Wine Collaboration Group (AFWCG)– which includes Dairy Australia, Meat & Livestock Australia, Hort Innovation, Wine Australia and Seafood Industry Australia – held a series of trade development workshops in Taiwan’s capital city, Taipei.
This is the fifth export market of focus by the AFWCG, following similar export and trade development activities in Thailand, Vietnam, South Korea and Indonesia over the past two years.
“We are clearly gaining momentum with each new market sprint,” Dairy Australia’s Managing Director, David Nation, said.
“Now we are focusing on Taiwan, which we know is an important market for Australian produce and beverages. It is well regarded for its advanced food processing sector, and we understand that consumer preferences are sophisticated and that they are moving up the value chain.
“By working together as a group, we are confident these market activities will add to our ongoing effort to raise awareness of Australia’s premium produce in high-potential markets across Asia, to deepen relationships with exporting partners, and increase bilateral trade opportunities.”
Taiwan is regarded as a stable and long-standing market for Australia’s exports, with a growing middle class and an increasing demand for premium, safe produce. The Taiwanese population is known for having a high discretionary spend, with more than a quarter of the average income spent in the food service industry.
For Australia’s dairy industry, the Taiwan market is currently worth more than $100 million, with potential growth in high-value dairy products to meet predicted demand for premium food in the coming years.
Dr Nation said Dairy Australia knows that Taiwanese customers appreciate the quality and value of Australian dairy products.
“For 25 years, Dairy Australia has been working together with members of the Taiwanese dairy industry through our scholarships programs,” Dr Nation said.
“Our program now has 40 dairy professionals as members of the Dairy Australia scholarship program alumni from Taiwan. We value these person-to-person links and look forward to deepening our connections into the future.”
The day focused on market access, consumer demand trends and future growth opportunities. This included a market access roundtable discussion with key market contacts, as well as five individual workshops where local food industry representatives were introduced to Australia’s premium meat, seafood, wine, dairy and horticulture products.
Rounding out the day was the Taste the Wonders of Australia Dinner, which showcased the best of Australian food and wine to more than 100 Taiwanese food and trade representatives.
The investment by the Australian Food and Wine Collaboration Group is supported by an Agriculture Trade and Market Access Cooperation grant.
To find out more about how Dairy Australia plays a role in improving market access, while building and maintaining strong international trade relationships, visit International Dairy Markets | Dairy Australia.
