Indian taste buds were tantalised by Australian premium food and beverages as more than 32 companies showcased their products across New Delhi and Mumbai during Australia Business Week in India (ABWI) from January 12-16, 2015.
Led by Andrew Robb AO MP, Australia’s Minister for Trade and Investment, ABWI is the largest Commonwealth-sponsored trade, investment, education and tourism mission ever undertaken to India, comprising around 450 business delegates.
Nicola Watkinson, Australian Trade Commission’s Senior Trade & Investment Commissioner for South Asia, said this mission reinforced the message that Australia is open for business and helps Australian businesses identify, strengthen and deepen relationships with India.
“Australia has an international reputation as a reliable supplier of safe, healthy, high-quality and great tasting food and beverages. This is why Australia helps meet the growing demand in India for hygiene products, health products, convenience and ‘new taste experiences’ and quality food options.”
Michael Carter, Trade Commissioner and leader of the Premium Food and Beverage delegation, said Australian premium food and beverage is in demand because of Australia’s diverse food flavours, commitment to the environment, sustainable practices and rigorous food safety standards.
“Australia’s size and its diverse geography and climatic zones create a wide variety of growing conditions, making a diverse range of fresh produce available for export virtually year-round. Added to this is our proximity to Asian markets, which shortens transport time for fresh produce,” said Carter.
“Food and beverage sector spans a diverse range of capabilities, from production and supply of raw ingredients to food processing and to the organised retail and hospitality sectors. We also have the expertise to be a long-term partner in developing solutions to food security challenges.
“Australia and Australian companies are ideal business partners, offering access to the latest food and beverage products and services, first class expertise, cutting-edge technologies and joint venture partnerships in the food and beverage sector,” he said.
“Australia produces a wide range of premium quality consumer products, including dairy products like cheese and long life creams, processed foods such as cereals, snack foods and ready to eat meals, fresh fruits and vegetables, quality lamb and world renowned wines.”
Carter said some of the key events taking place as part of Premium Food and Beverage showcase include the Australian Lamb promotion; pick up cooking tips from master chef Adam D’Sylva during the Godrej Natures Basket promotion; and the opportunity to taste a range of Australian wines and premium foods and beverages.
India is Australia’s 11th largest trading partner with two-way trade of A$15.2 billion and fifth largest export market, with total exports of A$11.4 billion. Total Indian investment in Australia is near A$11 billion (up from A$600 million in 2006), while total Australian investment in India is over A$6.5 billion.