International buyers put WA produce to the taste test, Redman
Author: Terry Redman
Published on: 21-March-2011
International customers will get a taste of Western Australia’s diverse produce at the Fine Food Western Australia trade exhibition.
Agriculture and Food Minister Terry Redman today opened the biennial event showcasing the State’s outstanding food and beverage industries.
“Agriculture and food industries are important contributors to the development and prosperity of the State,” Mr Redman said.
“WA has a global reputation for producing high-quality food and beverage products and industry is keen to capitalise on this reputation as it continues to look at new opportunities.”
The three-day event attracts about 250 exhibitors from across Australia. Visitors include key buyers from local, interstate and international hotels, supermarkets, retail stores, caterers, fast-food chains and bakeries.
The Minister said strong growth in South-East Asian, North Asian and Middle Eastern markets presented excellent opportunities for WA food exporters.
“The domestic market also remains critical to local business and the State Government continues to support WA food producers and processors through campaigns such as Buy West Eat Best,” he said.
Mr Redman encouraged attendees to visit the ‘Fresh from the West’ stand at the exhibition, which the Food Industry Association has offered with support from the Department of Agriculture and Food to showcase WA’s food producers.
“As a complement to the exhibition, the department has run a ‘Pathways to Market’ forum for WA food producers to increase their awareness of trade opportunities in catering to remote mine sites and the hospitality industry,” he said.
“This trade development section has also worked with international buyers and company representatives to showcase what WA can offer and facilitate business matching services.”
Fine Food Western Australia runs from today to March 22 at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre and is a trade-only event that is not open to the general public.
