Trade mission to one of the world’s fastest growing economies

The South Australian Government is acting upon its commitment to grow its relationship with Southeast Asia, predicted to become the world’s fourth largest economy by 2040.

Identified in the South Australia Trade and Investment Strategy to 2030, released last year, the South Australian Government will undertake a six-day mission to the region, visiting Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam, with the South Australian Minister for State Development the first Minister from the state to travel into Thailand in almost a decade.

Home to more than 700 million people, Southeast Asia is one of South Australia’s priority growth markets. In Singapore, high level meetings with space industries, higher education officials as well as key investors across energy and resources, property infrastructure, AI infrastructure and tourism and hospitality.

The Thailand and Vietnam legs of the trade mission, both key food and beverage export markets, will include a focus on growing trade opportunities for the state’s producers.

Southeast Asia’s expanding middle-class is driving increased demand for premium food, wine and consumer products, as well as education and tourism services. The trade mission will coincide with a group of South Australian companies attending Asia’s largest food and beverage trade show, THAIFEX.

Beerenberg, Bickford Group, Blue Lake Milling, Duxton Bees, Fuzzy Bum Honey, Legacy Food Group, Oleapak, Pure Origins, San Remo and The Yoghurt Shop, will also be supported by Food South Australia, the state’s peak body for the food and beverage industry.

“South Australian food and beverage products are recognised internationally as premium, clean and trusted, backed by businesses with rich histories, strong provenance and export capability,” said Tori Dixon-Whittle, Food SA CEO.

“Southeast Asia is an exciting growth market for our sector, with consumers increasingly seeking safe, high-quality and sustainably produced food and beverage products.

“Food South Australia, the industry’s peak body, has worked closely with the South Australian Government to deliver an industry-led trade mission that will help local businesses build valuable relationships across the region and showcase the innovation, quality and passion behind South Australia’s food and beverage industry.”

Beerenberg exports to more than 20 countries, with the company’s products found in hotels, supermarkets and on international airlines around the world. The Adelaide Hills company is looking to expand its presence in Southeast Asia, with trade shows like THAIFEX an opportunity to meet buyers, retailers and importers from across the region.

“As a family-owned South Australian business with our farm in the Adelaide hills, Beerenberg is proud to export our products to customers around the world, supporting local jobs and regional communities,” said Robert Priest, Beerenberg CEO.

“Southeast Asia is a key growth market for us, and this mission provides an important opportunity to build strong partnerships and support our continued export growth.

“We thank the South Australian Government and Food SA for their support in helping local businesses connect with international markets.”

Southeast Asia accounts for more than 20% of South Australia’s exports, valued $3.7 billion, and is an increasingly important investment source.