Last week, leaders of some of Australia’s most prominent agriculture representative groups collaborated with Taiwanese wine and food industry representatives to explore increased trade opportunities in Taiwan.
Throughout the week, a series of trade development events were conducted by the Australian Food and Wine Collaboration Group, which comprises five agricultural peak bodies including Wine Australia, sharing Australia’s premium wine and food with 200 key Taiwanese representatives.
With a growing middle class, increasing demand for premium produce and high discretionary spend, Taiwan represents a significant market for Australia’s agriculture exports, and according to Wine Australia CEO Dr Martin Cole, the events attracted key representatives who play an important role in increasing demand for Australian wine and food.
“It was great to have so many important people all in the one room and give them the opportunity to experience premium Australian wine, paired with beautiful, quality produce. It was such a good way to build relationships, there was even talk of reciprocal visits to Australia.
“Collaborative trade missions such as this provide the ideal platform to better understand the market opportunities, present the quality and safety credentials of Australian produce and share food and wine that brings people together,” he stated.
Bringing together representatives from Taiwan’s wine food and trade sector, restaurateurs, importers and trade officials, the Australian Food and Wine Collaboration Group held roundtable discussions and a press conference, designed to explore new opportunities in Taiwan for Australian producers.
The Taiwanese representatives were also introduced to Australia’s premium products in individual workshops in which they gained valuable experience working with them, followed by sampling opportunities at the Taste the Wonders of Australia Gala Dinner.
Dr Cole said one of the highlights of the day was the Wine Australia Masterclass workshop.
“The masterclass was a fantastic opportunity to really educate people from the trade about Australia’s wine offering. Australia has 65 wine growing regions and more than 100 grape varieties – it’s a continent of wine, not just a country of wine. And there’s real interest in that diversity, especially from the younger generation of Taiwanese.
“We are seeing real interest not just from the premium end, but from a range of other customers – the bistros, the mainstream supermarkets. There’s a new, younger generation of Taiwanese consumers who are willing to try a diverse range of wines. There are real opportunities for growth in this market,” he explained.
Supported by an Agriculture Trade and Market Access Cooperation grant, the Taiwan visit marks the fifth export market visit by the Australia Food and Wine Collaboration Group, with Japan being the group’s next market focus.