Victorian pavilion showcases healthy food
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The Victorian booth is seen at Seoul Food 2015 at KINTEX. / Photo by John Redmond
By John Redmond
The state government of Victoria, Australia, participated in Seoul Food 2015 held at KINTEX in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, from May 12 to 15.
A Victorian government trade mission composed of 30 of Victoria’s premium food and beverage enterprises came to Korea to showcase their world class products and services.
“Taking advantage of the recent ratification of the Korea-Australia Free Trade Agreement, the state government of Victoria is assisting Victorian companies to capitalize on opportunities for trade and investment with Korean organizations,” the government said in a press release.
The Victorian pavilion at the show featured such food and beverage associations as the Australian Table Grape Association, the Mildura Development Corporation and companies such as Harvest Box, the Chia Company and Muesli, with their focus on healthy food offerings.
Other Victorian suppliers will be showcasing a wide range of premium wine, cheese, chocolate, cereals, premium nut products, beef and other meat products.
As Australia’s leading agri-food state, Victoria exports to more than 100 countries, with major food sectors including dairy, meat, confectionery, horticulture, wine, seafood and a range of organic foods. Victoria also has a strong reputation for superior traceability and safety processes.
Patrick Stringer, commissioner for the state government of Victoria to Korea, said, “Victoria, which accounts for 30 percent of Australia’s total food output, is recognized worldwide as a secure, reliable and competitive producer of safe, fresh and diverse food and beverages.”
He added, “The state government of Victoria welcomes this strengthening of Australia’s relationship with Korea, including the immediate reduction in many tariffs on food and beverage items which will provide greater opportunities for Victorian exporters to supply their world class product into Korea.”
Victoria’s total agri-food exports reached A$11.4 billion in 2013-14, which is important to the State as it accounts for 31 percent of Victoria’s total exports. Victoria’s food and fiber exports to Korea were valued at $323 million in 2013-14, a 13 percent increase over the previous fiscal year.
“The Victorian government is committed to maintaining our strong relationship with Korea, with a presence through our Victorian Government Business Office in Seoul. This office has the dual aim of both developing and maintaining relationships with potential and current investors and facilitating exports into Korea,” the government said in a press release.
“The Victorian Government looks forward to continuing to foster a mutually beneficial relationship with the Korean business community.”