The United Kingdom (UK) has become the biggest destination for Australian wine exports by volume and the second by value during 2020-21, with exports increasing in value by 23% to $472 million, and in volume by 16% to 269 million, according to Wine Australia’s latest Export Report.

The UK formed the second largest WA wine export market, valued at $7.9 million in 2019-20 (15% of total exports). This follows China, taking up $21.3 million in 2019-20 (42% of total exports).  Total wine exports from WA in 2019-20 were valued at $51.1 million, a decline of 11% from $57.2 million in 2018-19.

On a national level, Australian wine exports during 2020-21 declined by 10% in value to $2.56 billion compared to the previous financial year, while export volume declined by 5% to 695 million litres.

However, excluding mainland China, wine exports increased by 12% in value to $1.96 billion and increased by 6% in volume to 643 million litres.  Europe, South-East Asia and Oceania have all enjoyed increased exports during 2020-21. Australian wine exports to Europe increased in value by 18% to South-East Asia by 14%, and to Oceania by 4%.

The strong growth in UK exports is attributed to a surge in wine sales in the off-trade sector, caused by the COVID-19 related shutdown of on-trade producers, and exporters sending wine into the market ahead of Brexit.  More...  Source:  Wine Australia  |  Photo:  DPIRD

Major e-commerce platforms in India are looking for high quality and gourmet products, Austrade reports in its latest South Asia update for Australian exporters. This increases opportunities for Australian manufacturers to export products like canola oil, oats, muesli, protein bars, and plant-based milk.

India remains the single largest export market for Australian almonds. South India is a particular focus.  At least six brands of Australian Manuka honey are now available in India. Sales grew by approximately 18% in 2020. Austrade is working with retailers, importers and Australian exporters to increase the number of Australian food products in India.

Fruit importers in India note increased demand for apples, citrus and table grapes, and are keen to fulfil this demand with Australian produce. Citrus Australia is currently developing a five-year export strategy in which India will prominently figure.

For further information, contact Austrade online or call 13 28 78, or the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development at export@dpird.wa.gov.au.  Source:  Austrade / DPIRD  |  Photo: iStock [Mumbai Harbour, India]

Despite challenges posed by COVID-19, tariff reductions enabled by Australia’s free trade agreements have helped increase Australian exports of some agricultural commodities to Thailand in 2020 and 2021, according to Austrade.  The removal of quotas and reduced tariffs make Australian products more competitive in the Thai market.

Australia continues to implement its own commitments under Thailand-Australia Free Trade Agreement and ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement and is working with Thai counterparts to finalise further tariff reductions for Australian exports.

Exporters and producers may review recent tariff rate reductions under Australia’s FTAs with Thailand and evaluate the impact these have on the viability of the Thai market for their products.  For example, in 2005 the Thailand tariff on Australia butter was 30%, beef 30 to 40%, potatoes 7%.  Thanks to the FTAs, these tariffs in 2021 are now zero.  More...  Source:  Austrade  |  Photo:  Waranont  / Unsplash

Western Australia's pristine waters have given the State an international reputation as a producer of premium quality seafood and fisheries products.  And one local pearl producer and exporter has been doing her bit to help protect and preserve our oceans for the future – and the State's half billion-dollar seafood export industry.

Flotsam and Jetsam, an annual event pioneered by Geraldton businesswoman Pia Boschetti in 2011, begins with a clean-up of the Abrolhos Islands, the location of her pearl farm.  Taking place on Clean Up Australia Day each year, the event not only removes waste from our oceans, it aims to recycle as much of it as possible.

“The clean-up is our way of giving back to nature,” Ms Boschetti says.  "My volunteer team grows bigger each year, so we clear a huge amount of waste. We’ve cleaned up over 80 tonnes of rubbish, some of which is over 50 to 60 years old and includes quite a bit of fishing gear.  Each year it takes us longer and longer to fill the boat – which tells us there is less."

Ms Boschetti – who grew up in a Mid West prawn and lobster fishing family – says many commercial fishers support the project by adding to the collection items they find, including a growing number of plastic bottles, which will one day take a toll on marine life.  Following the clean-up, the debris is carried back to the mainland and dropped off at Geraldton Fishermen’s Wharf where people come to select items that interest them for recycling into a creative works of art.   

The Latitude Flotsam and Jetsam Art Competition is the held with entrants exhibiting their spectacular artworks in Ms Boschetti's Jewellery Gallery, culiminating in an awards evening event.  | Related:  The story of Flotsam and Jetsam  |  Source and Photo:  Pia Boschetti, Latitude Gallery Jewellers

Are you interested in becoming a Director of Seafood Industry Australia (SIA)? Or, do you know an experienced leader who would be the perfect fit?

Applications are now open for SIA’s 2021 Annual General Meeting (AGM) Director rotation.  The AGM will be held on 30 September 2021.  Nominations must be submitted via email to Chair of the Nominations Committee, Marshall Betzel, by 3 pm AWST on 13 August 2021 via nqtrawlers@bigpond.com.

SIA is the national peak-body representing the Australian seafood industry as a whole, with members from the wild catch, aquaculture and post-harvest sectors, which export $1.2 billion annually.  Source and Image:  SIA