Exploring new markets
Initiative to help export our region
FOOD Leaders Australia has announced the second phase of a successful program helping regional businesses enter the export market.
Following the landmark Western Downs Eastern Opportunities which culminated in the historic AccessChina’16 delegation to Shanghai last year, the three-year Emerging Exporters Program will be headed up by FLA export manager Geraldine Doumany.
Supported by QGC, the program will look to the Western Downs region for producers wanting to get a foothold in the competitive export market.
“While the success of WDEO was taking producers on an export journey into the Asian market, culminating in the AccessChina’16 trip, the Emerging Exporters Program will see participants widen the scope of markets targeted specifically to their business,” FLA general manager Bruce McConnel said.
“We had six producers on the pilot program, and next year we’re looking to find about 10 organisations to undertake the program.
“A big part of what we do at FLA is promoting Australian products into new markets.
“Working closely with other agencies such as Trade and Investment Queensland and Austrade, we have seen a large increase in the number of trade commissioners and potential customers coming to our region, a clear sign we’re getting noticed.
“As an exporter, or someone willing to grow into new markets, if you get the labelling right for your audience, can supply a consistent amount and quality of product, and partner with the right people, success will come more readily.”
The EEP will be launched in Chinchilla this month.
QGC operations manager Angus Hetherington said the continuation of the program to support producers in the region strengthened the company’s social investment.
“The community has told us economic diversification is important and producers play an essential role in building new economic development,” he said.
A big part of what we do at FLA is promoting Australian products into new markets.
— Food Leaders Australia’s Bruce McConnel