Fine Food opens door to exports for Australian companies

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

25 Jul 2005

Austrade is a long-standing supporter of Fine Food Australia recognising its importance as a significant driver of export sales for the Australian Food and Beverage community.

Celebrating its 25th birthday, Fine Food is now a truly global event with 2500 international visitors with more than 320 of these brought to Australia by Austrade’s overseas-based food experts.

Austrade’s Food Team Leader, Lyndel Jack said the four-day show is an intensive matchmaking exercise between overseas food buyers and local suppliers, including direct contact with new and established Australian exporters.

“Fine Food 2005 is an extremely important exhibition for Australian food and beverage suppliers, who will have the opportunity to showcase their products to many of the world’s large retail groups as well as specialist retailers and food service groups.

“Every year, export sales generated at the show are growing. We estimate that the Austrade accompanied buyers generated over $16 million in sales at the 2004 show. This does not include other international buyers to the show nor the follow-up sales that resulted. In total, the results have been outstanding,” Ms Jack said.

Fine Food has also become a key event for overseas buyers, who come from across the globe to sample the best of Australian food products. They visit Fine Food not only to source new products but to also see the trends and developments in the Australian food industry.

Ms Jack said the Australian Food and Beverage industry is really taking a position in the global food and beverage market as a diverse supplier of clean safe and innovative fresh and processed products.

“The objective of many companies, whether new or established exporters, will be to secure export deals as a result of the exhibition. Austrade anticipates another great outcome this year,” she said.

Fine Food is a unique opportunity for Austrade’s clients to display their products to international buyers who will visit the show.

As in previous years, Austrade expects to accompany over 300 buyers to Fine Food. The buyers come from a diverse range of countries but a majority visit from South East and North East Asia. 2004 saw a growing contingent from the Middle East and Central/South America. This year will see even greater diversity with interest expressed from buyers located in Guam, Mauritius and Central Europe.

As in previous years Austrade will manage the International Lounge at the exhibition. The International Lounge is a meeting place for overseas buyers to talk with people from Austrade and also prospective Australian suppliers. In addition, Austrade will have a stand on the floor showcasing a range of new products.

For further information about Austrade call 13 28 78 or go to www.austrade.gov.au