From honey, wine and dairy products to olive oil and feed for livestock, Central Victoria is a key destination for exporters seeking the highest quality produce for their markets, as highlighted by today’s buying event in Bendigo.
Attended by 42 Chinese buyers and showcasing the goods of 14 local producers, the February Food and Beverage Buying Tour – Bendigo was the third in a series of buying events being coordinated by the Central Victorian Exporters Network (CVEN) to promote Central Victorian producers and actively enhance their export opportunities.
Welcoming the Melbourne-based Chinese buying delegation, Candy Broad MLC, Member for Northern Victoria Region, said that Victoria offered the highest quality produce to meet the growing demand from China.
“Today’s event reiterates Victoria’s strength as the nation’s food bowl - in which we have more than 2,000 food processing firms and 820 wineries across 21 wine regions – more than in any other State,” Ms Broad said.
“Here in Central Victoria there are around 200 olive growers, and 40 per cent of the olive oil they produce is exported overseas.
“As demonstrated by the quality regional wines, honey, olive oil, dairy products and livestock feed on show today, regional Victoria continues to provide international buyers with truly world-class produce to select from.
“Victoria’s export figures are also testament to this fact, with agricultural exports totalling over six billion in the last financial year.
“Through our Opening Doors to Exports program and strong industry partnerships, including longstanding support of the CVEN, the Victorian Government is actively supporting Victorian producers to expand into export markets and grow their overseas presence further.”
Ms Broad said that in the 2008-09 financial year, exports to China included over $132 million in milk and cream products, a further $78 million in other food products and preparations, and $22 million in alcoholic beverages.
“The Chinese demand for Australian produce is growing and the Victorian Government is working hard to ensure Victoria’s regional producers are well positioned to maximise on this opportunity.”
Victoria’s food industry is one of the largest manufacturing sectors in Victoria, directly employing more than 54,000 people.
Established in 2004 and with a current membership of around 400, the CVEN is a not for profit, incorporated entity that provides assistance to Central Victorian businesses to identify export opportunities, understand the global marketplace and develop trade in international markets. It also offers international businesses access to a large range of export capable Victorian companies.
The CVEN works closely with the Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development (DIIRD), Regional Development Victoria (RDV), the overseas Victorian Government Business Offices (VGBO) and four municipal councils in Central Victoria – Shire of Campaspe, Moira Shire, City of Greater Bendigo and Greater Shepparton Shire Council.
It also has close working relationships with the Australian Trade Commission (Austrade) and AusIndustry. The CVEN is well positioned to maximise the capabilities of its partnerships to deliver both export services and export opportunities to its members.