Selling Western Australian produce to China

• 12 local companies in marketing trip to Shanghai

• Exhibition features 1,100 companies from 77 countries

From whisky to beef to breadcrumbs, nougat, honey and olives, Western Australian produce will be promoted in Shanghai this month as producers push to break into the Chinese market.

Food & Hotel China is the country's largest and longest trade exhibition for the food and wine industries, this year featuring 1,100 companies from 77 countries.

For the first-time, Western Australia will have its own stand where 12 local companies will display their wares. The exhibit is being co-ordinated by the Department of Agriculture and Food and the Western Australian Trade and Investment Promotion Office in Shanghai.

Agriculture and Food Minister Ken Baston said China already ranked as Western Australia's highest value market for agriculture and food products and there were enormous prospects to further strengthen the market.

"Western Australia is in a strong position to become a preferred supplier of high-quality and safe food to China and other key Asian markets," Mr Baston said.

"This is not only due to our proximity to Asia, but because of our world-class biosecurity systems, our research and innovation, our modern supply chain infrastructure and food safety systems.

"Companies who exhibit at this trade event will have the opportunity to present their goods to importers and distributors who are on the lookout for internationally branded products."

The Great Southern Distilling Company will exhibit its whisky products at the exhibition for the first time. 

Director Cameron Syme said the company had won gold, silver and bronze medals in international spirit competitions, and was now ready to start exporting.

"Participating in China's global food and hospitality expo will give us the exposure and allow us to make the contacts we need to successfully launch our brand and products into the Chinese market," Mr Syme said.

The exhibition will run from November 13-15.  The exhibitors will also participate in the 'first' Food & Hotel China West China Roadshow at Chengdu on November 18.

      Fact File

• The Food & Hotel China exhibition will be held from November 13-15 in Shanghai

• China is WA's highest value market for agriculture and food products, its trade was worth $1.24billion in 2012-13

• China's expanding middle class is driving demand for higher quality and safe food - this demographic is interested in experiencing new foods

• List of  local company exhibitors:

 Minister's office - 6552 5400 

Photograph caption: (L-R) Department of Agriculture and Food international liaison officer Carolyn Hine, Agriculture and Food Minister Ken Baston and The Great Southern Distilling Company Director Cameron Syme