Buyers from a range of export markets will visit Brisbane to assess Australian produce in Brisbane this week.
The 2018 Reverse Trade Mission (RTM), commissioned by Hort Innovation, will host importers, wholesalers and retailers from seven export markets within Asia and the Middle East.
The RTM is part of a strategic levy investment using the Hort Innovation Vegetable Fund, and involves showing buyers through some of Queensland’s best produce, according to organisers.
The group of 40 delegates, including 35 first-time delegates, includes buyers from markets such as Indonesia, Thailand, Taiwan, South Korea, the Philippines, Japan, and Saudi Arabia.
This is the first year buyers from Indonesia, the Philippines, and South Korea will take part in the RTM.
AUSVEG national manager of export development, Michael Coote, said the vegetable industry was 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,” he said.
RTM delegates will visit leading vegetable farms in 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 Australian produce will be displayed at the Taste Australia Fresh Produce Showcase, developed by AUSVEG and Hort Innovation.
