A Bali-based chocolate producer shares his experience at the Fine Food Australia 2026 exhibition. Certification is among the key challenges facing Indonesian SMEs looking to break into the Australian market.
The Fine Food Australia 2026 exhibition served as a platform for Indonesian food and beverage businesses to understand international market needs, said Ida Bagus Nama Rupa, director of Junglegold Bali Chocolate.
GusDe, as he is known, took part in the Indonesian Pavilion at the exhibition held from 31 August to 3 September 2026 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. The Indonesian Consulate General (KJRI) in Melbourne facilitated the pavilion.
Businesses from various countries showcased their products at the event, GusDe said. The exhibition was not just about selling, he added. It was also an opportunity to understand where their products sit among global brands and to learn about food and beverage trends for the next five to ten years, he said.
Breaking into the export market comes with its own challenges. For SMEs that are just starting or have grown comfortable with the local market, exporting is no easy feat, GusDe said.
Even his company, which has been operating for 16 years, is still learning, GusDe said.
Licensing and product certification must come first for Indonesian SMEs serious about entering the Australian market, he said. Once they meet the legal requirements, businesses can focus on quality, packaging and understanding the needs of the international market, GusDe added.
Junglegold, founded by Tobias Garritt in 2010, has already exported to Australia in small quantities, particularly to Sydney, though it does not yet have an official distributor in the country, he said.
Listen to the full interview on the SBS Indonesian podcast.
