Presence at HK food and beverage exhibition expands sales

Participation by NSW companies at a Hong Kong food, catering and hospitality trade exhibition last month is expected to result in sales worth of $2m over the next 12 months.

Kylie Hargreaves, Executive Director International Markets and Trade from the Department of Trade and Investment, said this was a great result for the companies at a time when the rising Australian dollar was making exporting even more challenging than usual.

Hargreaves said, “The NSW Government helped 12 companies to showcase their products on the NSW stand at HOFEX 2011.

“The NSW products ranged from cakes and organic meat to cherry juice and de-alcoholised wine.

“Feedback from the companies indicated that they made total sales worth $89,000 during the exhibition, while anticipated sales over the next 12 months totalled $2.16 million.

“Several companies appointed agents or distributors during the exhibition and others expected to appoint them within 12 months.

“The companies also reported that they generated many good leads that could result in further sales - some will revisit Asia in the next few months to follow up on those leads.

“As a key trade exhibition in Asia that attracted more than 30,000 visitors, HOFEX provided the ideal springboard into this growing market for these NSW companies.”

Hargreaves said the NSW Department of Trade and Investment helped the companies to exhibit on the NSW stand at HOFEX, and organised pre-departure and in-market briefings and business matching at the exhibition.

“The NSW presence at HOFEX was part of the government’s program to help companies to win business in international markets,” she said.

“The NSW Government organises an annual series of trade missions and industry-specific visits to high-potential and emerging markets.”

Anni Brownjohn, Managing Director of Murwillumbah company Ozganics, said the support of the Department of Trade and Investment had contributed to her success at HOFEX.

“Many people in Asia are looking for food that’s high quality, clean and great tasting, which is what my company produces,” Brownjohn said.

“I also had a number of enquiries from major companies wanting private-label products.”

The Department of Trade and Investment supported the following NSW companies to take part in HOFEX:

• Australian Organic Meats, Elong Elong, supplies organic sausages, organic burgers, portion/retail packs and vacuum-packed beef primals.
• Bellata Gold, Tamworth, manufactures fresh and dried pasta.
• Campbell Foods Australia, Narrabarba, supplies beef, lamb and fine food products.
• Gelato Ingredients Manufacturers of Australia, Molong, produces fruit and nut bases and pastes for gelato outlets.
• JMB Beverages, Turramurra, supplies de-alcoholised wine products.
• Letizza Pizza Bases, Smithfield.
• Original Beverages, Paddington, produces fruit and energy drinks.
• Ozganics Australian Organic Foods, Murwillumbah, produces certified organic foods including sauces and dressings.
• Rowie’s Cakes, Marrickville, makes allergy-free products including cakes, biscuits and confectionery.
• SalDoce, Neutral Bay, manufactures a range of gluten-free and diabetic-suitable mixes.
• Urban Thirst, Rosebery, manufactures cocktail mixes.
• Very Cherry, Nashdale, produces pure cherry juice.