South Australia's vibrant food, wine and beverage offering is in the spotlight this week as a delegation of companies visit China alongside Minister Clare Scriven.
With a reputation for premium quality, product innovation and unique flavours, more than 30 South Australian producers are showcasing a selection of South Australian products to the Chinese market.
Three key events, including two Taste of South Australia Showcases (one in Guangzhou and one in Chengdu) and a South Australian Wine Summit in Chengdu, are providing an opportunity for promotion to distributors, importers, buyers, retailers, and media in China.
The participating South Australian companies are accompanying the Minister and senior staff from the Department of Primary Industries and Regions to represent the diverse, high-quality, and thriving scene our state has to offer.
The trade mission includes promotional events, tastings, and business networking opportunities in China for South Australian companies to engage with existing partners as well as develop potential new partnerships.
Barossa Valley winery Château Tanunda is amongst the South Australian businesses participating, and chair of the company John Geber says it’s important for South Australia to remain in the thoughts of the industry in China.
Significant progress has been made recently at both state and federal levels to stabilise Australia’s relationship with China, with the removal of trade impediments on a range of Australian products since May last year, including coal, cotton, timber, barley, and oaten hay.
The South Australian Government this week welcomed China’s interim decision in its review of duties on Australian bottled wine that could lead to the removal of charges on Australian wine.
China remains South Australia’s largest trading partner, with merchandise exports up 51.6 per cent to $3.6 billion - the highest figure on record.
South Australia has also enjoyed a long and mutually beneficial relationship with China, including our sister-state relationship with Shandong Province, which is approaching 40 years.
Quotes
Attributable to Clare Scriven
I am pleased to lead this delegation to China where South Australian products are being showcased for Chinese importers and other businesses.
China is a highly valued market for a range of South Australian food and beverage products including field crops, dairy, horticulture, seafood, wine, and spirits.
I am also meeting with grain importers to support South Australia’s reputation as a prominent exporter of barley and meet with other government and research institutions to explore ways we can collaborate in areas such as agriculture, research, trade, and business opportunities.
Attributable to Nick Champion
The delegation in China this week highlights South Australia's strengths in sustainable agriculture, premium food production, and winemaking innovation.
By leveraging the region's reputation for excellence, South Australian companies aim to capture the attention of discerning distributors, importers, retailers, and buyers to establish themselves as preferred suppliers.
This trade mission underscores South Australia's commitment to supporting its food, wine and beverage industries’ growth and competitiveness on the world stage.
Attributable to Chair Château Tanunda John Geber
Whilst we await the process currently underway by China to review tariffs imposed on Australian wine, it is important for our industry to maintain its knowledge of the China wine market.
Therefore, the chance to visit China provides a valuable opportunity to foster new relationships and deepen others and of course ensure that Château Tanunda is front of mind with the buyers, importers, and retailers we will meet.
It’s also a wonderful opportunity for us to highlight the quality of all wines we make, including that we are fortunate to produce wines from some of the oldest producing vines in the world, each on their own root stock.
