Over 80 Australian vegetable growers and industry members have picked up valuable tips on accessing international markets at the 2015 Exporting to Southeast Asia Symposium, held today on the Gold Coast.

Following the 2015 National Horticulture Convention, Trade Show and Awards for Excellence, the Symposium featured presentations from industry leaders and those who have successfully exported to foreign markets to inform growers about expanding their business through exports to Southeast Asia.

Attendees heard presentations from Austrade Senior Trade Advisor Luisa Rust, Director of SME at the Export Finance and Insurance Corporation Leela Hanson, Good View Group Development Marketing Manager Cynthia Leung and Business Manager from One Harvest Sarah Huntly among others.

Symposium attendees were briefed on many important topics relating to exporting to the region, including overviews of the Southeast Asian markets, cultural considerations when dealing with importers, logistics and available Government assistance for growers looking to develop their exporting businesses.

“Southeast Asia is a potentially lucrative market for Australian vegetable producers, with a rising middle-class population demanding high quality vegetable produce,” said AUSVEG National Manager – Export Development Michael Coote.

“Australia has an international reputation of producing high quality vegetables that are clean, green and safe, and can fill a premium niche in Southeast Asian markets where consumers are willing to pay a premium price.”

“Australian growers have a distinct advantage in terms of creating a market share in the region, as they can harvest and supply Asia on the same day.”

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

Growers were given a range of useful insights into exporting to Southeast Asia, including guides on consumer trends and logistics, and advice on how to successfully navigate the intricacies of the regulatory barriers when exporting fresh produce into these unique regions.

“Growers who have attended previous forums tell us how helpful the information presented is for their businesses, with a number of success stories coming from them. As we arm more growers the tools to export, the national vegetable industry can continue to expand and develop,” said Mr Coote.

“Rather than catering for an already over-supplied domestic market, export is a realistic way for many growers to increase their production.”

The 2015 Exporting to Southeast Asia Symposium was funded by Horticulture Innovation Australia using the National Vegetable Levy and funds from the Australian Government.

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