Last week marked a significant milestone for the Bowen Gumlu Growers Association (BGGA) and North Queensland horticulture, as we participated in the ‘Taste of Queensland’ Agricultural trade delegation to Japan. Led by Queensland Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Mark Furner and Trade Investment Queensland, the delegation comprised various horticultural growers from across North Queensland. The primary goal was to showcase the high-quality produce of our region, such as Melons, Mangoes, Pumpkins, and Bananas, and explore new trade opportunities with Japan and the potential for further investment into our region’s Agriculture sector.
Notable events included a ‘Taste of Queensland’ Horticulture celebration, where Queensland’s finest fresh produce was presented to Japanese wholesale and retail buyers, demonstrating the quality and variety our region offers. Additionally, growers had the opportunity to attend the Tokyo Ota markets, Japan’s largest fresh produce wholesale market, further highlighting the significant potential of North Queensland’s horticultural produce to a Japanese market of 125 million people.
A major highlight of the delegation was the North Queensland produce showcase at the prominent supermarket chain, Yaoko with over 200 stores in greater Tokyo area. This event provided an invaluable platform for growers to display and taste-test their products directly to Japanese consumers. The delegation also facilitated strategic meetings with Japanese multinational businesses such as Salad Club, Kewpie, Amelia Tomatoes and Oji Fibre Solutions, discussing investment opportunities in our region and exploring future prospects for our local producers, including growing partnerships the processing of food products specifically for the Japanese market.
Ry Collins, Chief Executive Officer of BGGA, commented, “This delegation has been a phenomenal opportunity to put North Queensland’s world-class produce on the global stage. The potential for trade with Japan is immense, and we are excited about the prospects of expanding our market reach, which will not only benefit our growers but also contribute significantly to the economic growth prospects of our region.” “BGGA would like to thank the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries and Trade and Investment Queensland for inviting us to join Minister Furner’s Trade and Investment Mission to Japan this week and their support developing this key market”.
