The high quality and great taste of Australian vegetables will be on show when 40 leading international produce buyers arrive in Australia as part of a Reverse Trade Mission (RTM) to be held later this month. 

Importers, retailers, and wholesalers from Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates will take part in the RTM, which aims to increase the profile of the Australian vegetable industry in an effort to capitalise on expanding international markets.  

“The demand for premium quality Australian vegetable produce is rising, particularly with growing middle-class populations in Asia and the Middle East,” said AUSVEG National Manager – Export Development, Michael Coote.

AUSVEG is the leading horticultural body representing more than 9,000 Australian vegetable and potato growers.

“These regions are a large and continually growing market for Australian vegetable producers and have huge potential for development,” said Mr Coote.

“The sheer number of buyers attending this year’s RTM gives an indication of the high level of interest there is in Asia and the Middle East for clean, green and safe Australian vegetable produce.”

Delegates participating in the RTM will meet with leading producers and government officials in South Australia and Queensland, as well as visit wholesale markets, growing operations and retailer outlets.

As part of the RTM, international participants will also attend the 2015 National Horticulture Convention, where they will have the chance to meet with growers showcasing the finest vegetable produce from around the country.

“AUSVEG will provide opportunities for growers who are exporting, or looking at exporting, to increase their international business network and explore new business opportunities, through organised networking events and a fresh produce display,” said Mr Coote.  

“Australian vegetable producers are perfectly positioned to capitalise on demand in large Asian and Middle Eastern markets. Meeting with these buyers will give them the chance to seize an exciting and potentially lucrative opportunity to export their produce to these markets.”

The RTM has been funded by Horticulture Innovation Australia using the National Vegetable Levy and funds from the Australian Government.

The 2015 National Horticulture Convention, now incorporating AUSVEG and Apple and Pear Australia Limited, is the biggest event in Australian horticulture, and will be held at Jupiters Gold Coast from 25-27 June. To register for the 2015 National Horticulture Convention, visit www.ausveg.com.au/convention or contact AUSVEG on (03) 9882 0277.

ENDS
MEDIA CONTACT: Michael Coote, National Manager – Export Development, AUSVEG
Phone: (03) 9882 0277 | Mobile: 0416 016 202 | E-mail: michael.coote@ausveg.com.au