Introduction from George Chambers
Assistant General Manager, Export and Market Development
Department of Economic Development and Tourism
Welcome to the first edition of ExportActive for 2008. We are looking forward to an exciting year of new opportunities and friendships in addition to building on our existing relationships and export markets both domestically and internationally.
The results from Tasmanian Exporters in 2007 were outstanding and we were particularly privileged to work with many enterprising and innovative companies. We look forward to continuing our support to existing and new exporters in 2008.
Export and market development activities
Fine Food Brisbane
Six companies participated in the bi-ennial Fine Food Queensland exhibition held in Brisbane from 9 – 11 March 2008. The participating companies were Cradle Mountain and Taverners Honey Products, Cripps Nubake, Naturally Nichols/Hill Farm, Red Kellys Tasmania, Spring Bay Seafoods and Strait Drinks.
Participation at the exhibition reinforced the positioning of their products in the booming Brisbane market place.
Spring Bay Seafoods blue lip mussels were used by Brisbane’s, Arriva Restaurant in a spectacular visual manner to win the smallgoods category of the Best of the Best Pizza Challenge of the Dairy Farmers State Final Challenge and will now progress to the national finals to be held in Melbourne in September.
Phil Lamb from Spring Bay Seafoods
Showcase event, Lotte Mart Supermarket Korea
Tasmanian food and beverage suppliers have been developing a relationship with Lotte Mart Supermarket in Korea.
This relationship has involved Lotte Mart buyers visiting Tasmania during last year and a product showcase event being undertaken during February in Seoul. This showcase was organised by Daymon Worldwide in Korea and involved the category buyers from Lotte Mart. Export and Market Development represented 12 potential Tasmanian suppliers and the products on show generated considerable interest with the category buyers.
During February Lotte Mart also launched its Tasmanian beef which is sold under Lotte Mart’s successful private brand Wiselect. It is hoped that additional Tasmanian products will be added to this private brand following the showcase event.
The products of the following Tasmanian suppliers were showcased: Blue Hills Honey, Cripps Nubake, Hartz International, Kreglinger Wine Estates, Premium Fresh Tasmania, Spring Bay Seafoods, Tasea Enterprises, Tasmanian Seafoods, Webster Fresh, Aurora Gourmet Produce, Bellamy Organics and Harvest Moon.
Hong Kong Chef Visit
A visit to Tasmania by five of Hong Kong’s most high profile executive chefs was coordinated by the unit. The aim was to expose the chefs to Tasmanian foods and wines through visits and direct discussions with local companies. The visiting chefs were from The Peninsula Hong Kong, The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, InterContinental Hotel Hong Kong, Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong, Hong Kong Disneyland and President of the Hong Kong Chefs Association.
The delegation visited Aurora Produce, Petuna Seafoods Strahan operations, Pirie Tasmania, Tamar Ridge Estates, Abalone Farms Australia, Spring Bay Seafoods, Tasea and Tassal Group and received product presentations from Ashgrove Cheese, Greenham Meats, Sullivans Cove Whisky and Domain A wines. A visit to Tasman Group Services’ state of the art meat processing plant in Melbourne prior to their departure concluded itinerary arrangements.
Considerable media interest of the visit was generated by press, television, radio and as well interstate television.
Wild Spirits New Zealand Mission
Economic Development and Tourism facilitated a mission to attend the Whisky Live exhibition in Auckland. The delegation included the distiller from the Tasmania Distillery and the Lark Distillery. Attendance at Whisky Live was the first opportunity for the department to facilitate a collaborative marketing promotion of Tasmania’s whiskies. This follows on from the development of generic promotional material featuring the positioning statement Tasmanian Single Malt – Wild Spirit.
Whisky Live is a tasting event where trade and whisky aficionados are able to sample over 100 different whiskies. It is held in England, Holland, France, Japan New Zealand, Scotland and South Africa.
The department also sponsored a trade dinner which provided an additional opportunity to raise the profile of the Tasmanian distilleries present as well as other distilleries not part of the delegation.
With this event being a success and a desire by the participating distilleries and others to participate in other collaborative marketing activities, Export and Market Development will continue to liaise with industry to determine appropriate support for the development of export markets of Tasmanian whisky.
Pacific 2008 – International Maritime Exhibition
The unit managed the Tasmanian stand at Pacific 2008 in late January. The Pacific International Maritime Exposition is a major international maritime, naval and defence-related event that brings together key industry, defence and government decision makers from South East Asia and around the world.
The participants on the Tasmanian stand included the following:
- Incat Australia – Andrew Cooke
- Colbeck and Gunton – Noel Richardson
- Taylor Brothers – Jan and Phil Taylor
- Fiomarine John Fiotakis, Rachael Foggit and Mike Sheggog
- Moonraker – Geraldine and Chris Edwards
- Pivot Maritime – Jeff and Luz Hawkins
- Liferaft Systems Australia – Mike Grainger and Rob Lewis.
All participants provided feedback confirming it was a successful show that provided them with opportunities to develop new business relationships and strengthen existing ones.
G’DAY USA – Australia Week
Economic Development and Tourism participated in the G’DAY USA program in January, with key activities undertaken at the San Diego Fancy Foods Show, the Bristol Farms (Los Angeles) and Citarella (New York) retail promotions and the Innovation Shoot-out in New York. Tasmanian companies participating in these events included: Blue Hills Honey, Hill Farm, Ashbolt Elderflower, Cripps Nubake, Diemen Pepper, Tas-Saff, Naturally Nichols, Nutpatch Nougat, Tasmanian Rain, James Boags Beer, Petuna Pty Ltd, King Island Dairy, The Learning Edge International and ICS Multimedia. Mr Mark Kelleher of Roaring 40s participated in a Road to Renewables conference held in Los Angeles.
Below-the-line-promotion of Boags beer, Tasmanian Rain and Petuna ocean trout occurred by virtue of product inclusion on the menus of most of the gala dinners and events, including the Conde Nast Restaurant in New York.
Enquiries received at the San Diego Fancy Foods Show are now being followed up, but some success has already been achieved. Tasmanian Rain for example, has received orders from a Dallas hotel and restaurant, has commenced sales into the Trump International Hotel in Chicago and Loews Ventana Resort in Tucson, Arizon.
The Learning edge International Pty Ltd, Tasmania’s entrant in the Innovation Shoot-out, received an immediate enquiry at the event from the University of Massachusetts to discuss the suitability of the company’s software solutions for that institute.
2008 Fukuoka International Gift Show
Fukuoka is the gateway to southern Japan and is the 3rd major economic zone after Tokyo and Osaka. During 4-6 June this year The Fukuoka International Gift Show is to be held. The exhibition is held at Marine Messe with an area of 9100 square metres and last year there were 240 exhibitors and 28 000 trade visitors. Full details of the exhibition can be found at http://www.giftshow.co.jp. Economic Development and Tourism would consider organising a Tasmanian grouping should there be sufficient industry interest and where exhibition space would be significantly discounted. For further information please contact Kim McShane, or alternatively if you would like additional information on the event or Japan you can also email Neil Marston from Japanese/Australia Business Development company, Nichigo Service, on neil.marston@nichigoservice.com
AUSDEX 2009
Ausdex 2009 is an exciting new event on the International Defence and Security Industry calendar planned to be held at the world-class Perth Convention Exhibition Centre, Western Australia from 9-12 November 2009. Ausdex will be the only event of its kind in the Asia-Pacific region that not only promotes new trends in the Air, Sea and Land operating environments but will also showcase current and emerging trends for Security, Intelligence, Law Enforcement, Crisis Response and Emergency Service providers. For further information please check the web site http://www.ausdex2009.com/ or contact Kim McShane.
CeBIT Australia 2008
Once again Austrade is a major supporter of this event which is the largest ICT show in Australasia. Austrade is seeking clients to exhibit in Export Alley. This part of the show allows clients to exhibit at a discount rate (this year $1 795+GST for the duration of the exhibition 20-22 May 2008), lets them meet with Austrade business development managers who are coming to the show and, where applicable, with any customers/delegations from overseas who are looking for their products/services. In addition there are 30 000 plus business visitors at CeBIT so it offers domestic as well as international leads. Also it's a great way for clients to gain experience at a major trade show.
The event brochure is attached here.
CommunicAsia 2008
CommunicAsia is the major regional ICT show in south east Asia. It attracts over 60 000 visitors and more than 2 000 exhibitors. Austrade is organising a national pavilion in conjunction with the exhibition organisers Exhibitions Plus. This pavilion attracted 34 exhibitors last year. They judged the event very successful and rated the quality of leads obtained as very high. It's important to note that this really is a one-stop shop to access the South East Asian market as half of the visitors at CommunicAsia come from outside of Singapore. The cost for exhibiting is approx. (due to exchange rates) AUD$5 300 for a booth on the national pavilion.
See the attached PDF for more details.
Industry news
Autech signs with top paint company
A great business news story for a small software company in Tasmania, Autech Software & Design, with the latest announcement that Autech have signed a significant business deal with one of top 10 paint companies in the world Jotun Paints from Norway. This deal is worth over US $1.5 million to begin with and the potential for Autech’s technology to be used in over 30 countries over the next 5 years, providing the company with a fantastic opportunity for growth.
Please see attached PDF for further details.
Colbeck & Gunton Winners of JEC Composite Award
Colbeck & Gunton, finalists in a category of an international composite industry award have been confirmed along with development partners Ayers Composites and Thermal Ceramics, divisional winners of the prestigious international JEC Innovation Award in Europe. The selection was based on the development of the lightweight composite passive fire protection system and won the Construction and Equipment category. The award presentation will take place in Paris in April.
Please see the following websites for more information:
http://www.ayrescom.com/news/default.aspx
http://www.jeccomposites.com/press-releases/4436/2008-JEC-Innovation.html
Colbeck & Gunton plan to undertake further product testing in Europe this year to meet the requirements of marine administrations that do not recognize current approvals and success in this area will open up a promising new markets.
This award is an important achievement for the company and further supports the technologically advanced Tasmanian maritime industry.
Professional development and educational opportunities
Do you want to Export?
Export and Market Development is holding a series of introductory workshops across the north of the state in April. Titled Do You Want to Export?, these introductory level seminars are targeted at businesses interested in exporting. For those companies that expect to include exporting in their business plan or have ever thought of marketing their product overseas, these free seminars would be valuable to attend. The seminars will explore a company’s ability and desire for exporting.
The sessions cover the following topics:
- why a business would want to export
- how exporting differs from a domestic sales transaction
- product or service assessments to determine suitability of international markets
- expertise and resources required for exporting
- methods of exporting
- the next steps to becoming a sustainable exporter.
Dates and locations are:
11 April 2008, Smithton
18 April 2008, Bicheno
For further information on these seminars contact Caleb Wright on (03) 6336 2263 or email caleb.wright@development.tas.gov.au
Export Practices Workshop
An Export Practices Workshop will be run again in 2008, subject to industry demand.
Economic Development and Tourism organised a two-day Export Practices workshop delivered by The Australian Institute of Export in November, 2007 at Moorilla Estate. The workshop examined in detail the principles of export documentation, international law, marine insurance and banking & finance.
Sixteen participants from 13 Tasmanian companies participated in the workshop. A lot of very useful, practical information to do with export documentation was provided by industry experts over the two day session and all participants indicated they were very satisfied with the amount and depth of information provided.
If you are interested to know more about this workshop or to register an interest in yourself or one of your staff attending, please contact Caleb Wright on (03) 6336 2263 or email caleb.wright@development.tas.gov.au
Fieldays New Zealand
Export and Market Development is seeking expressions of interest from Tasmanian businesses wishing to participate in Fieldays, the largest Agricultural products event in the southern hemisphere. Fieldays will be held on 11–14 June 2008 at Mystery Creek, near Hamilton in the north island of New Zealand. For more information, visit the web site: http://www.fieldays.co.nz/
Economic Development and Tourism is investigating the possibility of booking a Tasmanian booth and/or arranging business matching meetings with appropriate New Zealand exhibitors at the event.
For more information, please contact Caleb Wright on (03) 6336 2263 or email caleb.wright@development.tas.gov.au
Brief news and other opportunities
Japan Country Report
International Strategic Analysis has become one of the world's leading providers of international market analysis, country intelligence and economic forecasting. International Strategic Analysis products and services are designed to enable clients to have the best tools and resources at their disposal when making strategic decisions, or researching international markets and industries. International Strategic Analysis Country Reports provide detailed coverage and analysis of the political, economic and demographic issues and trends. Currently there is available a free sample report for Japan. For companies exporting to or considering the Japanese market this report provides an interesting economic, political and demographic coverage. The report can be found at: http://www.isa-world.com/reports_forecasts/country_report.pdf
Austrade shines spotlight on China
The Australian Government’s export development agency, Austrade, has turned its focus on two initiatives that will assist Australian businesses to build opportunities in China, the China Business Summit 2008 and Business Club Australia in and around the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.
Please see attached PDF for further details.
Hong Kong Trade Development Council
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council serves companies interested in using Hong Kong as their trade platform for China and beyond. The Sydney Office assist’s all small-medium business from Australia and New Zealand. It facilitates businesses to source, sellor produce competitively using Hong Kong partners and services. With over 30 different trade fairs organized and a customized business matching service Hong Kong Trade Development Council is you business partner for success.
The following areas provide the greatest opportunities for companies to sell and expand their products in Hong Kong/China:
- Hong Kong ICT EXPO, 14-17 April 2008
- Hong Kong International Medical Fair, 14-18 August 2008
- Hong Kong Furniture Fair, 28-31 October 2008
- Hong Kong Building Construction Fair, 28-31 October 2008
For more information visit the website www.tdctrade.com, contact via email on sydney.office@tdc.org.hk or phone (02) 9261 8911.
Hong Kong wine import tax is reduced
Hong Kong wine import tax is reduced to zero with immediate effect, announced by the Financial Secretary of HK SAR Government. For further details please visit: http://www.budget.gov.hk/2008/eng/budget39.html
This may mean more exports of Australian wine, especially Tasmanian, to Hong Kong. It is believed this is part of the Hong Kong SAR Government's attempt to make Hong Kong a regional wine hub in Asia.
Government Review of Export Policies and Programs
The Minister for Trade, Simon Crean, has announced a comprehensive review of Australia's export policies and programs. The Government intends to develop an integrated approach to trade policy to enhance international competitiveness and improve Australia's export performance. Options for ensuring that FTAs strengthen the WTO multilateral trade system, including benchmarks for any future agreements Australia may negotiate, will be examined. The review will be chaired by Mr David Mortimer AO, Chair of Leighton Holdings and Australia Post. Public submissions will be invited and the review will be completed by 31 August 2008.
For further details please visit:
http://www.trademinister.gov.au/releases/2008/sc_018.html
Japanese Media Releases
Recent and current Japanese media releases issued to the Department of Economic Development and Tourism include:
- Japan and South Korea restart talks on Economic partnership
- Australia’s beef exports to Japan fall
- Farms ‘Japanize’ fruit to gain domestic sales edge
- Unemployment rate hits a 10 year low in Japan.
Travel Advisories
DFAT travel advisories are the Australian Government’s advice to its citizens regarding the perceived travel risks and precautions that individuals should exercise. For further details please visit: www.dfat.gov.au
Current Export Opportunities
Austrade receives many inquires about Australian products and services from its offices around the world. If you are interested in reviewing its active inquiry list, please visit: www.austrade.gov.au
Australian Suppliers Database
For information on Australian suppliers across all industry sectors, the Austrade Suppliers Database provides a powerful search tool, to access the database click on the link.
Summary Calendar of Events 2007
2007/2008
Contact
| Event | Dates | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Do you want to Export Smithton | 11 April 2008 | Caleb.wright@development.tas.gov.au |
| Do you want to Export - Bicheno | 18 April 2008 | Caleb.wright@development.tas.gov.au |
| Export Practices | TBA | Caleb.wright@development.tas.gov.au |
| Fieldays New Zealand | 11-14June 2008 | Caleb.wright@development.tas.gov.au |
| Posidonia Maritime Exhibition Greece | 2-7 June 2008 | Martin.turmine@development.tas.gov.au |
| Australasian Aquaculture – Brisbane | 4-8 August 2008 | Kim.mcshane@development.tas.gov.au |
| Do you want to Export – Hobart | 13 August 2008 | Martin.turmine@development.tas.gov.au |
| Export Awards Presentation Night | 10 October 2008 | Fransina.barns@development.tas.gov.au |
| Workboat New Orleans | 3-6 December 2008 | Martin.turmine@development.tas.gov.au |
If you have any Export and Market Development queries please email George.Chambers@development.tas.gov.au or call 03 6233 5888.
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Economic Development and Tourism
GPO Box 646, Hobart, 7001, Tasmania, Australia
22 Elizabeth Street, Hobart, 7000
Telephone: +61 3 6233 5888 Facsimile: +61 3 6233 5800
Email: export@development.tas.gov.au
Internet: www.development.tas.gov.au