Wine Australia joined forces with Dairy Australia, Hort Innovation, Meat & Livestock Australia, and Seafood Industry Australia to strengthen the long-term trade partnership with Japan.
On 9th April 2025, the Australian Food and Wine Collaboration Group (AFWCG) held a series of market and trade events in Tokyo. The AFWCG hosted a roundtable discussion on trade and market access between Australia and Japan, with trade, agriculture and embassy officials in attendance.
“The best part about the events in Tokyo was the warm reception we received, especially given the current global trade environment with all the uncertainty,” said Wine Australia CEO, Martin Cole.
“There was a really good joined-up discussion at the functions about the importance of the long-term, strategic, symbiotic partnership we have with Japan.”
Alongside this, they hosted workshops highlighting the diversity of Australian wines to 60 importers, retailers, wholesalers and restaurateurs.
“A local sommelier showcased eight wines, which gave us the opportunity to educate the group about the quality offering we have more broadly, from the traditional to the new varieties,” Cole added.
Being Australia’s ninth largest market for wine, with a total value of $45 million, Japan also represents the sixth high-value export market targeted by the AFWCG.
“Our food ingredients go into Japan’s food manufacturing, it’s counter-seasonal so complimentary to what we grow in Australia, and the Japanese are investing capital into Australian agriculture,” Cole addressed.
“From a wine perspective, the diversification piece is also really important. Given the experience we have had in the past few years following tariffs imposed, then removed, by China and now the United States, market diversification is critical.”
Through press conferences, networking events and the Taste the Wonders Australia gala dinner, more than 120 food and trade industry representatives came together to discuss and enjoy Australian food and wine.
While global trade faces uncertain times, Australia’s visit to Tokyo aimed to reinforce and maintain long-term, trusted trade partnerships.