South Korea is the latest target in a new united campaign that brings together some of Australian agriculture's biggest RDCs and industry organisations to open new export market opportunities in Asia for farmers and food producers.
Dairy Australia, Meat & Livestock Australia, Wine Australia, Hort Innovation and Seafood Industry Australia have joined forces as the Australian Food and Wine Collaboration Group to showcase the wonders of Australian produce.
The partnership is targeting four key Asian markets - Thailand, South Korea, Vietnam and Indonesia - to increase and diversify export market opportunities for Australian producers.
The South Korea campaign kicked off with an online cooking competition targeting young people, to show the many ways in which quality Australian produce can enhance homecooked meals.
More than 48,000 people visited the competition website highlighting Australian fresh produce and wine. The top 10 entries have been selected as finalists and the top two will compete at a Gala Dinner in Seoul on June 15, where the best of Australian wine and fresh produce will be served up to some of South Korea's most influential foodies, industry representatives, importers and distributors.
An industry roundtable will take place earlier in the day, with representatives from five Australian Food and Wine Collaboration Group organisations meeting with Australian Embassy staff to discuss trade and market dynamics in South Korea and the challenges and opportunities available to Australian farmers.
For Dairy Australia General Manager Trade and Strategy Charlie McElhone, the united Team Australia approach to improving export markets will have clear benefits for Australian farmers.
"There is much untapped potential and mutual benefit that could be unlocked from working closely together to ensure that South Korean consumers are easily able to access high quality Australian food and wine," Mr McElhone said.
"By showcasing premium Australian products from a range of categories - meat, wine, seafood, fruit and vegetables and dairy - we aim to make it easier for South Koreans to see how well the products work together and complement Korean cuisine."
For meat producers, the campaign aims to increase what Meat & Livestock Australia's Regional Manager for Korea and Japan, Scott Walker says is an increasingly important market.
"Korea is Australia's second largest beef export market and has recently emerged as Australia's third largest sheepmeat export market as well," Mr Walker said. "Korea has a unique foodservice scene, with Korean-style BBQ being a feature of the country's dining culture. Enjoying beef and lamb with family or friends in restaurants is an integral part of the Korean lifestyle."
South Korea is Australia's fifth largest export market, after China, Japan, the US and Vietnam, and offers huge potential for Australia's food and wine producers, with a growing demand for fresh, safe, high-quality ingredients from among the country's 51 million residents.
The Australian Food and Wine Collaboration Group leverages the five individual organisations' strengths, expertise and connections in engaging with overseas markets, along with support from an Agriculture Trade and Market Access Cooperation (ATMAC) grant of $500,000.
It's the second high-potential export market targeted by the Australian Food and Wine Collaboration Group, after a successful market promotion in Thailand last year.
Vietnam is the next destination for the Australian RDC Alliance with proposed roadshows and food demonstrations, with a focus on the enormous market opportunity in Indonesia to follow in 2023-24.
