Taste of SA on the menu in China

19 Mar 2024
South Australia's vibrant food, wine and beverage offering was in the spotlight last week as a delegation of companies visited China alongside Minister Clare Scriven.
  
With a reputation for premium quality, product innovation and unique flavours, more than 30 South Australian producers showcased a selection of South Australian products to the Chinese market.
  
Three key events, including two Taste of South Australia Showcases (one in Guangzhou and one in Chengdu) and a South Australian Wine Summit in Chengdu, provided an opportunity for promotion to distributors, importers, buyers, retailers, and media in China.
  
The participating South Australian companies accompanied the Minister and senior staff from the Department of Primary Industries and Regions to represent the diverse, high-quality, and thriving scene our state has to offer.
  
The trade mission included promotional events, tastings, and business networking opportunities in China for South Australian companies to engage with existing partners as well as develop potential new partnerships.
       
Barossa Valley winery Château Tanunda is amongst the South Australian businesses that participated, and chair of the company John Geber says it’s important for South Australia to remain in the thoughts of the industry in China.
  
Significant progress has been made recently at both state and federal levels to stabilise Australia’s relationship with China, with the removal of trade impediments on a range of Australian products since May last year, including coal, cotton, timber, barley, and oaten hay.
  
The South Australian Government last week welcomed China’s interim decision in its review of duties on Australian bottled wine that could lead to the removal of charges on Australian wine.
  
China remains South Australia’s largest trading partner, with merchandise exports up 51.6 per cent to $3.6 billion - the highest figure on record. 
  
South Australia has also enjoyed a long and mutually beneficial relationship with China, including our sister-state relationship with Shandong Province, which is approaching 40 years.