A number of industry representatives visited Tokyo this month to build on relationships given the uncertain times in international trade.
Wine Australia joined Dairy Australia, Hort Innovation, Meat & Livestock Australia and Seafood Industry Australia at a series of events on 9 April.
With uncertainty around trade tariffs out of the US, the Australia Food and Wine Collaboration Group’s focus was about reinforcing long-term trusted trading partnerships with Japan, a Top 10 market for Australian wine.
Wine Australia CEO, Martin Cole, said diversification is important during periods of uncertainty.
“There was a really good joined-up discussion at the functions about the importance of the long-term, strategic, symbiotic partnership we have with Japan,” he said.
“Given the experience we have had in the past few years following tariffs imposed, then removed, by China and now the United States, market diversification is critical.”
The group began the trip with a roundtable discussion with trade, agriculture and embassy officials on trade and market access between Australia and Japan.
It was followed by individual workshops showcasing the quality and versatility of Australian produce to Japanese customers with Wine Australia presenting to a room of 60 importers, retailers, wholesalers and restaurateurs.
“A local sommelier showcased eight wines, which gave us the opportunity to educate the group about the quality offering we have more broadly, from the traditional to the new varieties,” Cole said.
“These events are such a great platform to talk about joint opportunities across food and wine.
“Each organisation has the chance to do their own thing with the individual workshops, and then we all come together for networking and to talk about what’s working well and where there are opportunities.”
There have been major concerns across the industry that US President Donald Trump’s tariffs could threaten the Australian wine market with no real justification given for doing it.
Earlier this month, Australian Grape & Wine CEO, Lee McLean, told The Shout a blanket tariff on wine from a long standing ally was a major hurdle.
“This is yet another blow to a sector that is already under sustained pressure from global oversupply, declining demand, and ongoing recovery from disrupted trade with China,” he said.