Taste the Wonders of Australia event celebrates and strengthens trade relations between Australia and Japan
The Australian Food and Wine Collaboration Group has brought its Taste the Wonders of Australia initiative to Tokyo, celebrating the long-standing trade relationship between Australia and Japan.
The event, hosted on 9 April, was the group’s sixth activation in Asia, following successful events in Thailand, Vietnam, South Korea, Indonesia, and Taiwan. The initiative aimed to strengthen Australia’s agrifood presence in Japan and build stronger commercial and diplomatic ties across key sectors.
Japan is Australia’s third-largest export market for agriculture, fisheries and forestry, valued at over A$6.3bn in 2023/24. The programme was supported by Australia’s Agricultural Trade and Market Access Cooperation (ATMAC) grant, reflecting the government’s commitment to opening and growing market access.
The gala dinner was attended by more than 100 Japanese trade, food industry, and government representatives. It served as both a cultural and culinary exchange, reinforcing Australia’s reputation as a supplier of safe, high-quality, and ethically produced food and beverages. It was also attended by Australia’s ambassador to Japan, Justin Hayhurst, who spoke about the ongoing importance of food security in the bilateral relationship.
High-level meetings were held between Australian industry leaders and Japanese trade representatives, also joined by Justin Hayhurst. These discussions explored evolving consumer trends, regulatory access, and long-term collaboration on food security and sustainability.
In a session dedicated to Australian horticulture, participants learned how Australia’s unique landscapes and the strong character of its growers enabled the delivery of fresh, clean, and premium produce. Renowned chef Koji Fukuda highlighted how to incorporate Australian table grapes, macadamia nuts and olive oil to complement the unique flavours of Japanese cuisine.
Following the event, the Australian Food and Wine Collaboration Group, which includes Hort Innovation, Dairy Australia, Wine Australia, Meat & Livestock Australia, and Seafood Industry Australia, and the broader Hort Innovation team provided valuable insights about Australian horticulture and the Japanese market to growers to help support future growth.
AloJapan.com