Second Taste Australia event showcases premium Australian produce

Australia’s finest produce was on full display in one of the nation’s key export markets last month, in an effort to reinforce Australia’s position as a key supplier of premium food and wine.

Four of Australia’s key Rural Development Corporations (RDCs) joined forces to stage the latest Taste Australia event at the New World Hotel in Beijing, in a combined effort to highlight the quality of Australian agricultural products.

It was the second event organised by the collaboration partners – Dairy Australia, Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA), Hort Innovation and Wine Australia – following a successful event in Shanghai earlier this year.

China is Australia’s largest dairy export destination, with a total export volume of 230,364 tonnes in 2017-18, accounting for 27% of Australia’s dairy exports.

More than 100 guests attended the latest event, including key customers of Australian food and wine, as well as Chinese media and government representatives.

Australian Ambassador to China Jan Adams also attended and addressed the event.

Dairy Australia international market manager Sarah Xu said the Taste Australia events continue to strengthen Australia’s global reputation for premium food and wine.

“These events are vital to ensuring that China, as one of Australia’s key dairy export markets, is reminded of just how premium the quality of our food is,” Ms Xu said.

“The events are an opportunity for key Chinese stakeholders to learn more about Australian produce, the quality of our foods and the stories of our farmers.

“Guests depart with an even greater appreciation of the outstanding food and wine Australia has to offer.”

China Dairy Industry Association Ms Meiju Liu said the Taste Australia event shared and promoted fine Australian cuisine.

“During the event, the hosts set up a display stand with a range of Australian dairy products, which was greatly appreciated by the event participants,” Ms Liu said.

The event included a full run sheet that featured a joint media session with each of the RDCs.

A number of Chinese media outlets took part, including BQ Weekly, Global Gourmet magazine, Absolute magazine, Sohu.com, and AoHua Interactive Technolgy Ltd.

“The Chinese media was particularly interested in the history of food and wine production in Australia, as well as the natural environment of our production areas,” Ms Xu said.

“The media were also keenly interested in the strengths of our products when compared with our competitors, as well as the innovation of our agricultural industries and the future outlook of supply into the Chinese market.”

Guests were treated to display areas to sample products from each industry, as well as a cooking demonstration featuring Australian ingredients by Aussie chef Tim Hollands.

Prizes were awarded to guests who correctly answered questions about each agricultural industry, while the event also included a formal dinner that featured premium Australian ingredients and wines.

The Taste Australia event was bookended by a welcome address by MLA international markets manager Michael Finucan, and a keynote speech by Ms Adams.

Dairy Australia is committed to building on the success of this year’s Taste Australia seminars and conferences, and to working with other RDCs to promote Australian agricultural exports to China.

To find out more about Australian dairy exports and read the latest figures, download the Dairy Industry In Focus report here: www.dairyaustralia.com.au/industry/farm-facts/in-focus

Photo: Australian Ambassador Jan Adams joins Dairy Australia international market manager Sarah Xu at the dairy display stand, prior to the Taste Australia dinner commencing