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Virtual trade mission positions agri-food exporters for growth in Korea

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The Queensland government has launched its second virtual agriculture and food trade mission, with a focus on Korea. 

With virtual engagement having become the new normal in international business, this virtual trade mission is an essential part of the state government’s commitment to supporting agri-food exporters, according to minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and minister for Rural Communities, Mark Furner. 

“Today, 30 emerging agri-food exporters from Cairns to the Lockyer Valley gathered online for Trade and Investment Queensland’s Export Readiness Workshop to gain valuable insights about doing business in Korea, which is our fourth largest agricultural export market. 

“Korean consumers already enjoy our beef, broccoli, mangoes, table grapes and ginger beer and I’d like to see even more of Queensland’s fresh produce and value-added food and drinks in their shopping baskets.” 

Queensland Trade and Investment Commissioner Ryan Freer and his team in Seoul provided exporters with the latest market information on consumer trends and the current business environment, while leading exporters Manbulloo and Bundaberg Brewed Drinks and their Korean partners shared their experience of doing business in the market. 

“Korean consumer preferences have changed during the pandemic,” Freer said. “Home cooking has become much more prevalent during lockdowns and there is increased interest in food and drinks that offer additional health benefits. 

“As part of the trade mission, a Queensland Food Innovation Seminar has also introduced Korean buyers, distributors and retailers to four innovative Queensland companies with a health and wellness focus – Fable Foods, Flavour Creations, Perkii Probiotics and Nutrafruit. 

“These businesses produce ready-to-eat meaty meals made from mushrooms, dysphagia-friendly products, probiotic drinks and a unique juice, made from the high anti-oxidant Queen Garnet Plum. I’m confident that the virtual trade mission will put our agri-food exporters in a prime position to grow their exports here in Korea,” Freer said. 

For more information about the mission, contact the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries on 13 25 23, or visit www.daf.qld.gov.au. 

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