Leading international fresh produce buyers from key export markets will experience world-class Australian horticulture first-hand during an inbound trade mission beginning in South Australia today.

Delegates on the 2025 Reverse Trade Mission to Queensland. (Photo credit: AUSVEG)

The 2026 AUSVEG Reverse Trade Mission will see 40 delegates representing 15 key export markets visit leading growers and retail operations, culminating in the AUSVEG Fresh Produce Showcase, ahead of Hort Connections 2026 in Adelaide.

Buyers on the trade mission will represent key Asia, Pacific and Middle Eastern export destinations including Brunei, Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Fiji, New Caledonia, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

The 2026 Reverse Trade Mission commences today, Wednesday 27 May, with an official opening event, before delegates embark on visits to leading vegetable and onion producers in South Australia’s Mallee, Adelaide Hills and Virginia growing regions, as well as retail outlets in Adelaide over the next few days. The mission will culminate on Monday 1 June, with a vegetable industry workshop and Fresh Produce Showcase, where some of Australia’s best export-ready horticultural produce will be on display.

Delegates remaining in Adelaide following the formal conclusion of the Reverse Trade Mission will also attend Hort Connections 2026 – the southern hemisphere’s largest horticulture conference and trade show, co-hosted by AUSVEG and the International Fresh Produce Association Australia-New Zealand, held at the Adelaide Convention Centre from 1-4 June.

AUSVEG CEO Michael Coote said: “The annual AUSVEG Reverse Trade Mission provides an important opportunity to show leading international buyers the superb quality of Australian horticultural produce, as well as an up-close look at the cutting-edge growing and production methods employed by Aussie growers.

“Delegates are representing both established and developing export markets, making this is a prime opportunity to strengthen existing ties, while exploring the potential for future growth and diversification. The Reverse Trade Mission plays a key role in allowing international buyers to develop in-person business connections, while also giving Australian growers opportunities to learn more about the unique expectations and requirements of customers and markets they are looking to supply.”

Last year Australia exported nearly $2.8 billion worth of horticultural produce, including almost 170,000 tonnes of fresh vegetables, worth $223 million.

The Reverse Trade Mission is delivered by AUSVEG under the Multi-Industry Export Program funded by Hort Innovation using the vegetable, onion and melon research and development levies, and contributions from the Australian Government. Austrade also provides support and assistance to the program and this year its Business Development Managers from Japan, South Korea and Taiwan will be joining the mission.