Importers, wholesalers and retailers from six export markets within Asia will touch down on Australian soil next week for 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 represent some of Australia’s most significant trading partners, including Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, Indonesia, Philippines and Thailand.

RTM delegates will also attend Hort Connections 2019 in Melbourne, where the best of Australian produce will be displayed by over 40 Australian fruit and vegetable growers at the Taste Australia Fresh Produce Showcase.

The Taste Australia Fresh Produce Showcase was developed by AUSVEG and Hort Innovation, and 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 is 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,” said AUSVEG National Manager – Export Development Michael Coote.

“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 provides 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.

“It is exciting that, for the first time, the Australian onion, banana and melon industries are formally involved in the Taste Australia Fresh Produce Showcase to show international retailers first-hand the great quality of a broader range of fruit and vegetables that Australian growers can offer customers around the world.

“Australia has the best fruit and vegetable produce in the world, and being able to develop and maintain our reputation for providing fresh, high quality produce through events like this is vital to the future success of the vegetable industry,” said Mr Coote.

“We are confident that the 2019 Reverse Trade Mission will effectively showcase Australia’s high-quality produce to overseas buyers, and will enable Australia’s vegetable export industry to continue towards $315 million in export value in 2020 and beyond.”

Hort Connections 2019 is the premiere event for the horticulture industry, encompassing the vegetable, fruit, nut, cut floral and nursery sectors. Registrations are still open and those who are interested in attending any of the three days can also register in person at the event. For more information please visit hortconnections.com.au.

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT: Shaun Lindhe, AUSVEG National Manager – Communications
Phone: 03 9882 0277, Mobile: 0405 977 789, Email: shaun.lindhe@ausveg.com.au