Horticulture joins forces to increase trade to Taiwan

Some of Australia’s premium horticulture produce took centre stage in Taiwan last week, alongside meat, lobster, dairy products and wine, in a collaborative effort to increase export opportunities for Australia’s food and wine producers.

The Australian Food and Wine Collaboration Group, which includes Hort Innovation, along with Wine Australia, Meat & Livestock Australia, Dairy Australia and Seafood Industry Australia, held a series of trade development events in Taipei on Monday, meeting with 200 Taiwanese representatives from the food and trade sector, restaurateurs, importers and trade officials.

The Collaboration Group held roundtable trade discussions and a press conference, followed by individual workshops, where Taiwanese food industry representatives gained valuable experience working with Australia’s premium products. Australia’s horticulture workshop featured Chef Jessica highlighting the quality and versatility of produce including asparagus, potatoes, macadamias and tangerines.

The day ended with the Taste the Wonders of Australia Gala Dinner, where 110 representatives from Taiwan’s food and trade industry had the chance to enjoy some of Australia’s premium produce, all paired with some of Australia’s finest wines.

Hort Innovation Research and Development Manager - Market Access, Andrea Magiafoglou, was in Taiwan for the event and said the press conference, workshop and gala dinner all provided the chance to showcase the quality and diversity of Australian horticultural produce, and make important food and trade connections.

“These events gave us the opportunity to meet face-to-face with Taiwanese partners through direct engagement and meaningful conversations, enabling us to build and strengthen relationships,” she said.

Ms Magiafoglou said there was a significant benefit to being in market in Taiwan.

“We could clearly see that food safety is a top priority, even in places such as the local farmers’ market, where regulations including residue testing are actively enforced,” she said.

“We could also see the growing food culture in Taiwan with an emphasis on sharing a meal with family and friends, and that Taiwanese consumers are actively seeking out fresh, nutritious and safe produce.”

As for future opportunities in the market, Ms Magiafoglou said Taiwan’s importers are increasingly seeking high-quality, fresh, and diverse produce to meet consumer demand.

“Australia’s reputation for clean and safe horticulture could open up significant opportunities for Australian exporting industries. We will be working in collaboration with Taiwanese partners to support the demand for premium produce that is safe and sustainable.”

Ms Magiafoglou said Australian horticulture has potential to expand its development in Taiwan, through a combination of high-quality product offerings, technological innovation, sustainability practices and strategic collaborations.

“By leveraging these strengths, Australian horticulture can meet Taiwan’s evolving consumer demands through engagement like the activities held as part of the Australian Food and Wine Collaboration Group.”

This is the fifth export market to be visited by the Australia Food and Wine Collaboration Group, following similar export and trade development activities in Thailand, Vietnam, South Korea and Indonesia over the past two years. The Collaboration Group’s next market focus is Japan, in 2025.

The investment by the Australian Food and Wine Collaboration Group is supported by an Agriculture Trade and Market Access Cooperation (ATMAC) grant.