South Koreans are being encouraged to bring the fresh flavours of Australia’s finest food and wine into their homes, thanks to the latest export market drive by the Australian Food and Wine Collaboration Group.
Wine Australia has joined forces with Meat & Livestock Australia, Hort Innovation, Seafood Industry Australia and Dairy Australia in a Team Australia approach to champion the wonders of Australia’s fresh produce and premium wine, and increase market access for Australian farmers and winemakers.
The partnership leverages the five individual organisations’ strengths, expertise and connections in engaging with overseas markets, along with support from an Agriculture Trade and Market Access Cooperation (ATMAC) grant of $500,000.
Highlights of the South Korea campaign include an online cooking competition targeting 20-30-year-olds, to show the many ways in which quality Australian produce can enhance homecooked meals.
The competition winners will be announced in a gala dinner in June in Seoul, where the best of Australian wine and fresh produce will be served up to some of South Korea’s most influential foodies, industry representatives, importers and distributors.
According to ABARES, South Korea is Australia’s fifth largest export market overall, after China, Japan, the US and Vietnam*, and offers huge potential for Australia’s food and wine producers, with a growing demand for fresh, safe, high-quality ingredients from among the country’s 51 million residents.
For Australian wine, South Korea is our 10 largest export market by value with 4.7 million litres of wine valued at A$44.3 million in 2022.
It’s the second high-potential export market targeted by the Australian Food and Wine Collaboration Group, after a highly successful market promotion in Thailand last year. Vietnam and Indonesia will follow in 2023–24.
The Australian Food and Wine Trade Collaboration was created to promote quality Australian food and beverages in key international markets. The members and funding partners are Dairy Australia, Hort Innovation, Meat & Livestock Australia, Wine Australia and Seafood Industry Australia.