Food South Australia (Food SA) members have showcased quality South Australian food and beverage products to the world at Asia’s “biggest” food and beverage expo in Tokyo, Japan, which has attracted more than 70,000 visitors from 5- 8 March 2024.
Coordinated by the Department for Trade and Investment, the Tasting South Australia stand was a highlight in the Australia pavilion, showcasing eight Food South Australia members including Besa Juice, Bickford’s Australia, Pure Origins, Macro Group Australia, Maggie Beer Holdings, Oleapak, Thomas Foods International, and Yumbah Aquaculture. They were among 22 food, beverage and wine businesses representing the state.
Food South Australia CEO Marni Cook says, “The exposure and connections established at FOODEX Japan provided an opportunity for existing relationships to be strengthened and uncovered new opportunities in the Asian market”.
Exhibiting Food South Australia member, Oleapak, producer of premium South Australian extra virgin olive oil and now avocado oil, echoed the sentiment, noting the importance of being present at international tradeshows. “Participating in FOODEX Japan has enabled us to reestablish connections with our existing customers and develop new relationships with prospective international buyers. We are thrilled to have received numerous prospective orders as a result”, says Oleapak Managing Director Ed Vercoe.
Ms Cook has called for Australia to work together to showcase a more cohesive food and beverage offering. “South Australia stood out due to its customer-centric branding and this is required at a national level to showcase Australia’s world-class food and beverage products to a global audience”, she said.
Japan stands as the sixth priority market in the South Australian Food and Beverage 5-Year Export Strategy with meat, bakery and cereals, dairy and soy food, as well as soup as the highest individual product categories with potential.
South Australian food and beverage exports to Japan have increased by almost 52% from the previous year, rising to $7.2 million in 2022*. Food and beverage exports to North Asia totalled more than $1.4 billion in 2023*.
*Source: Department for Trade and Investment.
