Fine Food Australia 2023, the southern hemisphere’s premier trade exhibition for the Food, Hospitality and Retail sectors, held from 11 to 14 September, celebrated a successful culmination with a distinctive Pacific flavour.
Pacific Trade Invest (PTI) Australia’s ‘Pacific Showcase’ stand was a particular highlight. Among the participants were eight distinguished producers, including Papua New Guinea’s Devine Management Services, and Frangipani Foods; Fiji’s Nama Cuisine, Fiji Kava, Green Gold Kava, and Pacific Premium; alongside Solomon Islands’ SolTuna, and Kokonut Pacific Solomon Islands.
Reflecting on the event’s success, Jeremy Grennell, PTI Australia’s General Manager of Exports, noted the overwhelmingly positive response from both participants and attendees:
“The turnout of over 25,000 visitors was testament to the immense appeal and potential of the trade show. It provided an invaluable platform for Pacific businesses to bolster their brand visibility and foster direct buyer connections in the Australian market.
“Fine Food Australia provided a stage for Pacific producers to not only showcase their products, but also to build enduring strategic relationships. Their direct engagements with international buyers underscored the intrinsic value and distinctiveness of their products, paving the way for amplified market reach and business growth.”
Boasting more than 1,000 exhibitors, the trade show, which alternates between Sydney and Melbourne each September, unveiled a plethora of new and groundbreaking products from Australia and over forty-five international countries. The event also featured engaging live demonstrations, masterclasses and industry-acclaimed competitions.
Ajay Singh, importer and distributor for Green Gold Kava in Sydney, reflected on Green Gold’s participation with pride:
“It’s been a fantastic experience. This year we received an overwhelming response from businesses and consumers, and a lot of curiosity. Many were eager to understand kava, not just from its traditional roots, but also the benefits it can offer, like aiding stress and promoting good sleep.
“We distributed about eighty to one hundred samples daily, and really aimed to educate the market while forging significant connections with both retailers and consumers. Overall, the event was an invaluable experience.”
This year marked the tenth consecutive year that PTI Australia championed the Pacific Showcase at the Fine Food Australia trade exhibition.
Founded in 1979, PTI Australia is an agency of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat. Funded by the Australian Government, it facilitates trade and investment in the Pacific Islands.
