Foreign buyers eat and greet at Fine Food Australia

Demand for Australia's premium food is rising across Asia thanks to our strong reputation among consumers.

The easing of trade barriers already underway from Australia's free trade agreements with Japan and Korea, plus anticipated tariff cuts from the FTA with China will make Australia even more competitive in these markets.

An agreement with India, currently under negotiation, would provide similar benefits there.

Austrade Executive Director, International Operations, Grame Barty said Australia was well positioned to benefit and expand its exports of high-quality produce.

"Our reputation for quality, safe produce is well recognised throughout Asia and Australia's meat, dairy, fresh fruit and vegetables, seafood and wine are all in demand," Barty said.

"There are huge opportunities to grow exports of these products to a region of nearly three billion new, middle class consumers with a discretionary income to spend."

Austrade recruited over 100 international buyers to attend Fine Food Australia this year. There are significant delegations from China and India, including major e-commerce platforms.

Online retail sales in China grew by close to 50 per cent to reach half a trillion Australian dollars in 2014, while India's online sales growth is estimated at around 34 per cent per year.

Austrade business development managers from Pakistan, New Zealand, Fiji and Thailand are also attending Fine Food Australia, arranging business matching meetings for Australian companies in the International Business Lounge.

In addition, Austrade, the NSW State Government and the NSW Business Chamber are delivering international business sessions focussed on exporting to Asia.