Twenty-two South Australian export businesses from the meat, seafood, wine, craft beverages and fruit juices industries will be participating in this year’s ‘Tasting South Australia’ exhibit starting today in Tokyo.
Asia’s biggest food and drinks expo, FOODEX Japan, is expected to attract more than 70,000 visitors over the next four days.
The SA exporters being supported by the Department for Trade and Investment are a mix of those looking to enter the market or grow their existing presence in key Asian markets such as Hong Kong, Korea and Taiwan.
Thomas Foods International is among the South Australian businesses participating and will be showcasing its new Limestone Coast beef – cooking up samples for buyers to taste.
Five SA wineries will be pouring tastings, including Litharian Wines who will be returning to FOODEX in 2024, having established connections with importers in Japan, South Korea and Hong Kong at last year’s event. This led to its first export sales in those markets.
Japan is South Australia’s eighth largest export market, with merchandise exports to Japan valued at an estimated $634 million to the year ending December 2023. Tuna and meat are among the top merchandise exports, along with canola oil, barley, animal feed and citrus fruit.
Litharian Wines Director, Melanie Ross said FOODEX Japan is a great opportunity to be seen and discovered by buyers in Japan and across other parts of Asia.
“As a new export business, attending the event in 2023 allowed us to receive feedback first-hand about our wines and establish connections with importers, which we will continue to nurture with the aim of creating long-term partnerships.
We are excited to be attending FOODEX Japan again this year to deepen relationships with our importers, introduce our third export brand, Bella Eve, to the market and expand our footprint in the Asia market.”
Minister for Trade and Investment, Nick Champion said FOODEX Japan is an important platform for South Australian food and beverage export businesses to gain exposure and make connections in the Asian market.
“As Asia’s premier food and beverage exhibition, attracting buyers and importers from across the globe, it’s also an opportunity for South Australia to further its reputation for some of the best produce in the world.”
