International travel restrictions are no barrier to trade with the Queensland Government launching its second virtual agriculture and food trade mission - this time to Korea.
Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner said virtual engagement has quickly become the new normal in international business.
“The virtual trade mission is a vital part of the Queensland Government’s commitment to support agri-food exporters to maintain and develop business relationships in key export markets during the Covid-19 pandemic,” Mr. Furner said.
“Today, 30 emerging agri-food exporters from Cairns to the Lockyer Valley gathered online for Trade and Investment Queensland’s Export Readiness Workshop to gain valuable insights about doing business in Korea, which is our fourth-largest agricultural export market.
“Korean consumers already enjoy our beef, broccoli, mangoes, table grapes, and ginger beer and I’d like to see even more of Queensland’s fresh produce and value-added food and drinks in their shopping baskets.”
Queensland Trade and Investment Commissioner Ryan Freer and his team in Seoul provided exporters with the latest market information on consumer trends and the current business environment while exporters Manbulloo and Bundaberg Brewed Drinks and their Korean partners shared their experience of doing business in the market.
“Korean consumer preferences have changed during the pandemic,” Mr Freer said. “Home cooking has become much more prevalent during lockdowns and there is increased interest in food and drinks that offer additional health benefits.
“As part of the trade mission, a Queensland Food Innovation Seminar has also introduced Korean buyers, distributors, and retailers to four Queensland companies with a health and wellness focus - Fable Foods, Flavour Creations, Perkii Probiotics, and Nutrafruit. These businesses produce ready-to-eat meaty meals made from mushrooms, dysphagia-friendly products, probiotic drinks, and a unique juice made from the high anti-oxidant Queen Garnet Plum.
“I’m confident that the virtual trade mission will put our agri-food exporters in a prime position to grow their exports here in Korea.”
For more information:
Ron Goodman
Department of Agriculture and Fisheries
Tel.: +61 0427 781 920
Web: www.daf.qld.gov.au