Austrade holds seminars for Japan, Taiwan trade

The increasing popularity of high end supermarkets coupled with food service industry demand in Japan and Taiwan is opening up export opportunities for Australian businesses, prompting Austrade to hold free Perth and Margaret River seminars on the 7 and 8th of August.

Austrade's Osaka-based senior trade commissioner Michael Clifton said export opportunities are growing in Japan as mid-to-high end supermarkets fuel demand for innovative and niche products.

"There's a fast-paced retail culture with rapid product turnover in Japan where an economic revival is well underway," Mr Clifton said. "Japan has strong GDP growth of 2-3 per cent and rising consumer confidence, which is often described as a consumer led recovery."

Austrade's Taiwan-based senior trade commissioner Jeff Turner said the latest figures show Taiwan's food retail market grew by 4.3 per cent to reach a value of $24.3 billion.

"Taiwan has one of the highest per-capita food spends in the region, fuelled by high disposable incomes, low unemployment and a strong preference for convenient, healthy and hygienic products," Mr Turner said.

"Hypermarket and convenience stores continue to grow in Taiwan, as consumers have come to expect more choice and convenience for buying food. In addition, the increasingly ageing population will affect the food industry sector in Taiwan. There'll be more online grocery shopping with home delivery services for the elderly. The home meal replacement sector is booming and there's increasing interest in functional products with effects on anti-aging and other health benefits," he said.

WA-based winery the Willow Bridge Estate has exported to Japan since 2003. Managing director Jeff Dewar said their wines have been extremely well received by the Japanese.

"Our distributor/importer in Japan is more suited towards high end premium wines, therefore our super premium are doing exceptionally well and the mid range is selling also," Mr Dewar said.

"We're exporting predominantly reds at this stage which are being picked up by independent boutique shops and restaurants in Japan through our distributor. Japan is presently our fifth biggest export market however sales are currently increasing so that could change.

"Austrade has made exporting quite easy for us. They've helped with the language barrier and introduced us to the importer. Austrade staff came to our winery and recommended them to the importer who liked the taste, style and price point," he said.

Japan food opportunities include: Mango, cheese, confectionery, macadamia nuts and related products, jams, pates, beef and lamb, honey, juices, lobster, oysters, abalone, eucalyptus oil, citrus, dried fruit, potatoes, blueberry, asparagus, onion, broccoli and lemon myrtle products. Wine exports to Japan have increased by value and volume.

Taiwan food opportunities include: Meat, beef, beef offal, lamb, goats meat (Australia is the number one supplier), seafood, lobster, abalone, spanner crab. Fruit including kiwi, citrus, persimmon, tomato, apple, stone fruits, pear and table grapes. Dairy products and value-added dairy ingredients, liquid milk, fresh cheese and ice cream. Also opportunities for packaged food and wine, particularly red wines, beer, juice, organic produce and organic food and beverage products.

To register for the seminar visit www.austradeevents.com.au/japantaiwan2.