International trade delegation bound for Taste Great Southern to sample the region’s finest produce

An international trade delegation will attend Taste Great Southern this weekend to explore export opportunities for the region’s finest produce. In what has been described as the first such trade mission to Australia since the international border reopened, the delegates will arrive in Perth on Thursday before heading to Albany from May 7-11 then on to the South West. The visit by a group of 19 buyers will be the first major event under the new Great Southern Tourism and Trade Partnership, which was launched in Albany in April. The partnership aims to provide a co-ordinated approach to growing the region’s international reputation through destination marketing and exports. The Great Southern Development Commission, Austrade and tourism body Australia’s South West have banded together to drive the partnership which also involves the expansion of the WA TradeStart Partnership. Another agreement between the GSDC, Austrade and the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development links agrifood and beverage businesses with international markets. GSDC chief executive Natasha Monks said the delegation would give Great Southern producers a great opportunity to increase exports. The buyers represent markets across the Middle East, UK, India, South East Asia and North Asia. “We are pleased to host this international buyers’ mission and delighted to have the premium produce showcase of Taste Great Southern as part of their program,” Ms Monks said. “Our region is fortunate to have some of the finest premium food and beverage products in the country, and this is an opportunity to sell this to the international market.” More than 35 producers will get the chance to impress the delegates, with wagyu beef, truffles, wine and spirits among the premium local products. The delegation’s itinerary in the region starts with a welcome reception at the Albany Boatshed. After a series of Taste Great Southern experiences, their trip will culminate with a curated buyer matching event at The Dam in Denmark.