Tastes of SA promoted in Southern China

MINISTER for Agriculture Michael O’Brien said today that South Australia’s world-class food and wines will be showcased to Southern China at a special trade promotion in Guangzhou.

“The SA Food and Wine Promotion Evening in Guangzhou provides our State and its exporters with a wonderful opportunity to showcase our distinctive food and wine,” Minister O’Brien says.

“South Australia has a growing international reputation for agricultural and food products of exceptional quality with increasing numbers of international buyers impressed with the diverse range of food and flavours from the State’s regions, cultures and indigenous food sources.

“China is a very important market for us – growing into South Australia’s fourth largest export destination.

“Food SA is committed to increasing market access for South Australian food into China while also raising the regional profile of South Australia among Chinese consumers.

“The State Government aims to achieve these objectives by working to bridge the language and cultural distance, and most importantly, by providing professional local support to access the Chinese supply chain.

The food and wine promotion is being held in Guangzhou, the capital and largest city of Guangdong province. Located about 120 km northwest of Hong Kong, this historic city is one of Southern China’s key transportation hubs and trading ports.

With a population of 6 million, Guangzhou is an important gateway for trade to neighboring provinces south of the Yangtze River.

Minister O’Brien says our home-grown food sector is vital to the ongoing growth and prosperity of South Australia’s agricultural industries.

“South Australia’s Gross Food Revenue has been growing at an annual average of 5% during the past decade to a record high of $12.4 billion,” he says.

“At the same time, China is a significant untapped opportunity for our State’s food industry, providing potential to further increase South Australia’s already record food revenue.

“While we are providing just a small taste of what South Australia has to offer to this Guangzhou promotion, the State Government looks forward to delivering more of our locally-grown, locally-made produce to Chinese homes and businesses.”