Victoria’s multi-billion-dollar food and fibre sector will be on show at this year’s Food and Beverage Trade Week, with local growers and producers set to connect with global buyers and key decision makers from today.
Over three days, more than 150 incoming delegates will get a first-hand look at Victoria’s diverse and vibrant food and fibre sector, seeing everything the state has to offer – from meat and seafood to grains, horticulture and value-added food and beverage products.
By helping Victoria’s food and beverage producers connect with global buyers, the Andrews Labor Government is boosting the economy, supporting local communities, creating jobs and growing Victoria’s exports.
The delegates will travel all over Victoria meeting with farmers, processors and researchers, sampling produce and touring production facilities in Ballarat, Gippsland, the Yarra Valley, Horsham, the Goulburn Valley and King Valley.
Part of the Labor Government’s inbound trade mission program, Food and Beverage Trade Week also helps local businesses upskill their trade and export capability, get digital ready and match with the right buyers.
In the last four years, the Labor Government has delivered 129 trade missions, helping more than 4,620 Victorian businesses achieve more than $266 million in actual export sales and $2 billion in projected sales.
The Labor Government is also strengthening Victoria’s global connections and has recently released strategies for India, China, Latin America as well as Globally Connected, an overall trade statement and blueprint for the future of Victorian trade.
Victorian food and fibre exports are incredibly valuable to the state, worth $12.8 billion in 2016-17, and employing more than 270,000 Victorians across the state.
Victoria is Australia’s largest exporter of food and fibre products, accounting for 81 per cent of Australia’s dairy exports, 48 per cent of horticultural exports and 39 per cent of prepared food exports.
As noted by Minister for Trade and Investment Philip Dalidakis
"We’re bringing the world to our doorstep to show them that Victoria really does have some of the world’s best premium food and beverages."
"Our trade mission program gives local companies the opportunity to make global connections, boost the economy and create jobs for Victoria."
