Fine Food Australia, an exhibition showcasing food products from around the world, has taken place with more than 1000 exhibitors from 60 countries displaying their food, products, equipment and technology related to the food industry.
Indian food products are becoming increasingly popular among Australians, and exporters from India showcased over 100 products to Australian buyers in the exhibition which runs until the 13th of September.
The Spices Board, a flagship organization of the Indian Ministry of Commerce and Industry, is also taking part in the exhibition. The organization is working to promote Indian spices to the world. Eight exporters from India took part in the trade fair.
Prathyush T.P, Assistant Director of the Spice Board told SBS Gujarati: "The organization is focusing on providing various types of opportunities to the small and medium exporters of the nation to participate in the international fairs and get international buyers."
Exporters from India showcasing their products. Source: SBS Gujarati
"India is both the biggest consumer and exporter of spices all around the world with 46 percent of the market share."
Indian spices are in demand among Australians
"To Australia, Indian spices are in high demand because of the quality and the benefits of the spices. Australians are buying value-added products like the curry powder and the chillis as it is good in quality,” said Prathyush.
The Indian and Australian governments have been promoting the trade relations between both countries. In 2015-16, the two-way goods and services trade between India and Australia totalled $19.4 billion, with the majority of imports to Australia being medicines, herbs, spices and other food products.
Organic herbs and spices of India. Source: SBS Gujarati
Organic food products are popular too
Australia is encouraging the use of organic food products. CEO of Fresh Organic Dharmesh Patel said: "It seems that the concept of using organic produce is growing in Australia and exporters of organic products from India are getting a good response from Australian buyers."
"Organic herbs, spices, medicine and other food products are in a high demand among the Australians."
Talking about growing trade opportunities for the Indian exporters, the Shadow Minister for Trade in Victoria, Craig Ondarchie, told SBS Gujarati: "The Indian community is one of the fastest growing communities here in Victoria and we are welcoming their culture and food products. We would like to do more trade with Indian exporters in the future”.
Indian Australians have also shown their interest in the Indian spices.
Visitors of the food exhibition Jashuben Patel (L) and Nisha Shah (R). Source: SBS Gujarati
Nisha Shah, who has been living in Australia for 30 years, said, "It is a great platform for buyers from Indian origin as they can get the best quality of spices, herbs and other organic products of their country of origin here in Australia."
