Importers, wholesalers and retailers from seven export markets within Asia and the Middle East will touch down on Australian soil this week for the annual AUSVEG Reverse Trade Mission (RTM), commissioned by Hort Innovation.

The 2018 RTM 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 some of Queensland’s leading fruit and vegetable growers to witness first-hand the high quality produce that our growers have to offer. The group of 40 delegates, including 35 first-time delegates, comprises buyers from markets as diverse as Indonesia, Thailand, Taiwan, South Korea, the Philippines, Japan and Saudi Arabia.

This is the first year that buyers from Indonesia, the Philippines and South Korea will take part in the RTM, giving Australian growers the opportunity to showcase their produce to buyers from these potentially lucrative markets and develop networks in more export markets than ever before.

“The Australian vegetable 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 RTM 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.”

RTM delegates will visit a number of leading vegetable farms within south east Queensland, as well as research and export treatment facilities and a flagship retail store. The group will also attend the Hort Connections 2018 conference in Brisbane, where the best of Australian produce will be displayed 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.

“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 2018 RTM will effectively showcase Australia’s high-quality produce to overseas buyers, and will enable Australia’s vegetable export industry to continue to flourish towards $315 million in 2020 and beyond.”

Hort Connections 2018 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.

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