The lead up to Fine Food Australia has begun with Pacific Trade Invest (PTI) Australia’s Pacific Showcase hosting nine participants from across the Blue Pacific. Fine Food Australia is the southern hemisphere’s premier trade exhibition for the food, hospitality and retail sectors, boasting a turnout of over 25,000 last year, and celebrating its 40 years of operation this year.
In 2024, PTI Australia’s Pacific Showcase will promote Sepik Valley Organic’s vanilla beans, Lae Biscuit Company and Tropic Frond Oils from Papua New Guinea. Alongside, will be Kokonut Pacific Solomon Islands and Soltuna, from the Solomon Islands. Down to Earth’s Fiji Fire Hot Chilli Sauce and Pleass Global are joining from Fiji. As well as Inu Cook Islands’ noni juice from the Cook Islands. Further, this year, the Vanuatu Chamber of Commerce will be representing an array of exciting products, including Aelan Chocolate, Vanuatu Beverages, Tuan Kava and Lapita Café’s cassava flour, all proudly Vanuatu Made.
Fiona Hailes of Inu Cook Islands says she is looking forward to showcasing their product to such a large audience.
“Visitors to the Cook Islands always ask if we sell our juice overseas so with these comments in mind, we believe the local Pacific community in Australia will reach out and support the product for their health and wellbeing. The juice is 100% ACO certified organic and is a unique product.”
Jack Gill from Sepik Valley Organics says he and his team are in preparation for the show, as they believe their vanilla products fill a notable gap a market.
“We are looking forward to bringing an innovative retail product mostly missing from the marketplace in Australia.”
Trina Bugoro from Kokonut Pacific Solomon Islands is excited to partake in the networking opportunities and ensure their products stand out from the crowd.
“I am looking forward to connecting with potential buyers and exploring new markets. It is a prime opportunity for me to share the unique story of our products and highlight their benefits.”
“Being certified organic, our product meets international market standards, which aligns with the high demands for organic products.”
Melissa Bule from Vanuatu Chamber of Commerce and Industry will be representing four key Vanuatu made products, and says the Chamber is ready to forge meaningful connections in the Australian market.
“While Vanuatu has participated in the past, we've learned valuable lessons regarding export readiness. This time, we are reintroducing four key products with confidence in their export potential and hope to explore future collaboration opportunities with Australian distributors.”
“Vanuatu made products are ideal for the Australian market due to their unique cultural authenticity, high quality and natural ingredients, strong cultural ties, emphasis on sustainability, and alignment with Australia's support for regional development.”
Building on previous years’ success, Jeremy Grennell, PTI Australia’s Officer in Charge, says the event is a cornerstone for forging connections between Pacific businesses and scalable buyers in the market.
“Fine Food Australia is an important stage for Pacific businesses to be on, in order to build long term relationships with international buyers. Every day the halls are full of people looking for exactly what the Pacific has to offer. I hope to support our participants to make many more of those valuable connections this year.”
Trina from Kokonut Pacific Solomon Islands is excited to partake in the networking opportunities and ensure their products stand out from the crowd.
“I am looking forward to connecting with potential buyers and exploring new markets. It is a prime opportunity for me to share the unique story of our products and highlight their benefits.”
“Being certified organic, our product meets international market standards, which aligns with the high demands for organic products.”
Fine Food Australia is taking place between Monday 2 and Thursday 5 September at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. Visitor registration is free and available here.
