Strengthening market access and export opportunities
Dairy Australia continues to play a role alongside other agriculture representative groups in improving bilateral trade relations and increasing export opportunities for Australia’s premium producers.
On 9 April, members of The Australian Food and Wine Collaboration Group – including Dairy Australia, Hort Innovation, Wine Australia, Meat & Livestock Australia and Seafood Industry Australia – held a series of trade development workshops in Tokyo.
It’s the sixth target market for the Collaboration Group, which has previously focused its attention on emerging markets across Asia, including Thailand, South Korea, Vietnam, Indonesia and Taiwan. Over the past two years, it has met with more than 1,000 food, trade and government representatives – leveraging the individual sectors’ export strengths to deepen industry and government networks, advance bilateral trade and improve market access for the Australian Government.
Dairy Australia Managing Director Dr David Nation said Australia is ranked fourth in the share of Japan imports for dairy by volume, and in 2023-24 Australia exported 59,000 tonnes of dairy product, worth US$306 million.
“The trade relationship in dairy with Japan extends back to the 1950s and we are delighted that our Scholarship Program, specifically for Japanese dairy companies, has just celebrated its 25th anniversary,” Dr Nation said.
“The relationships we have nurtured in dairy trade in Japan are stronger than ever.”
Food security is an increasingly concern for Japan and a collaborative ‘Team Australia’ approach helps strengthen the trusted, stable relationship across multiple sectors - a win-win for both countries.
Events in Tokyo included export market roundtable discussions with industry and government contacts. A technical workshop led by a leading Japanese chef – showcasing Australian cream cheese to food professionals – was oversubscribed, underscoring the interest in Australian dairy. A highlight was the Taste the Wonders of Australia Gala Dinner, which showcased the best of Australian food and wine to more than 100 Japanese food and trade representatives.
The investment by the Australian Food and Wine Collaboration Group is supported by an Agriculture Trade and Market Access Cooperation grant.
To find out more about how Dairy Australia plays a role in improving market access, while building and maintaining strong international trade relationships, visit International Dairy Markets.