2009 PRESS RELEASES
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May 20, 2009
VIRGINIA AGRICULTURAL PRODUCERS INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN AUSTRALIAN INTERNATIONAL FOOD AND DRINK EXHIBITION SEPTEMBER 7 – 10, 2009
Contact: Elaine Lidholm, 804.786.7686
The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) offers Virginia specialty producers the opportunity to introduce their products to the upscale Australian market through a partnership with the Southern United States Trade Association (SUSTA).
September 7 – 10, SUSTA will host a booth at Fine Food Australia, the country’s premier food industry event. More than 25,000 high profile visitors attended the 2008 show, which holds Wine & Spirits Australia and Hotel Australia in conjunction with the food show. SUSTA is offering unique placement in the United States pavilion. Participants will get a nine square meter booth in the U.S. pavilion and up to 100 pounds of product samples shipped to the show. The deadline to apply is June 15, 2009.
In 2007, the total value of Australian food retailing grew more than 7.4 percent to $71.4 billion (USD). More than 70 percent of food expenditures occurred within the supermarket and grocery sector. Food retailing in Australian supermarkets and specialty food stores continues to grow as more consumers look for goods to prepare meals in the home despite the economic downturn.
Best candidates for product sales at Fine Food Australia include energy and sports drinks, confections, condiments, gluten-free products, breakfast drinks and bars, fruit/tea drinks, organic products and functional foods, which are foods believed to have health-promoting or disease-preventing properties.
Information for participants:
- Event date: September 7 - 10, 2009
- Registration deadline: June 15, 2009. No refunds will be given for cancellations after that date.
- Includes shipment of 100 pounds of products samples to the show.
- Cost for participants
- $600 per in-line booth or $850 for corner booth in the U.S. Pavilion
- Travel and accommodations are the responsibility of company, although MAP branded participants are eligible for up to 50 percent reimbursement
Producers interested in taking advantage of this opportunity to introduce their products to key buyers in Australia should contact Keith Long in VDACS’ Office of International Marketing. Call 804/371-8990 or e-mail keith.long@vdacs.virginia.gov. Click here for information on additional domestic and international trade events.