EXPORTS
FIAL makes tradeshows a low-risk exercise.
Enhancing the export capability of Australian food businesses Food Innovation Australia Limited (FIAL) is the catalyst that encourages the food sector to collaborate and to grow its share of Australian food in the global marketplace. Here’s how they help.
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s the Food and Agribusiness Industry Growth Centre, Food Innovation Australia Limited (FIAL) is working with industry to grow Australia’s share of the food and beverage pie in the global marketplace. This requires boosting the competitiveness and productivity of the sector as a whole. FIAL supports industry in achieving this aim by sharing knowledge, improving capabilities, increasing opportunities for collaboration and commercialisation, and facilitating connections with new markets. “Since travel restrictions came into play, FIAL quickly pivoted to offer its Meet the Buyer initiative in a virtual format. This has seen many businesses develop new connections with buyers in China, Singapore and Thailand,” said FIAL’s general manager
commercial, Rod Arenas. “I don’t think it will be business as usual for international trade, but with disruption comes opportunities.” FIAL will continue to offer its virtual Meet the Buyer events in markets all around the world, allowing Australian businesses to create those face-to-face connections that are critical to capitalising on export opportunities. Arenas points out that Australian producers also stand to benefit from Australia’s reputation for being a source for high-quality, safe, and traceable products. “Since COVID-19, we have seen a huge increase in the number of international buyers registering on the Australian Food Catalogue. Demand for Australian products has not stopped,” he said.
20 Food&Beverage Industry News | July 2020 | www.foodmag.com.au
The only platform of its kind to be endorsed by Austrade and various state agencies, the Australian Food Catalogue allows suppliers to showcase their range to hundreds of registered buyers that are specifically looking to source Australian products. “We are conscious that businesses need to keep their head above water,” he said. “How do they do that. They need to sell product, and find new customers. That doesn’t stop just because travel does. “Industry needed quick solutions that were able to deliver tangible outcomes. FIAL was able to quickly adapt its initiatives and we are excited to continue to explore the digital opportunity.” With announcements beginning to be made regarding confirmed tradeshow dates in 2021, many
businesses may be returning their attention to this method of securing sales. FIAL makes the tradeshow experience a low-risk exercise for Australian businesses. “Businesses that exhibit with us can focus on maximising the opportunity as FIAL takes care of everything – from the stand build, right through to stock freight.” Exhibiting with FIAL is costeffective, and with 80 per cent of industry being SMEs, this is critical, according to Arenas. “These businesses usually don’t get the chance to attend international exhibitions due to cost constraints. We help bridge the gap so they can tap into these export opportunities,” said Arenas. Arenas emphasises that to stand
