Samples of WA food products to be tried in Japan

27/11/93

Japanese consumers might soon be eating a lot more Western Australian food following a visit to Perth by a food specialist brought here by Japan's top trade agency, Jetro.

Samples of cheese, honey, nougat and what Jetro's representative described as 'the best pate in Australia' will be on their way to Japan soon to tempt taste buds after the representative tasted his way through dozens of local food and beverage products.

"The samples have the potential for helping to boost exports of our processed food, particularly in niche areas," Commerce and Trade Minister Hendy Cowan said today.

"The interest shown in our food products indicates the high regard that Japan has for the quality of our produce, and also demonstrates our growing sophistication in processing a range of raw food materials for a variety of markets."

The Jetro representative, Mr Yoshio Tada, has bought a wide range of samples to take to Japan, including:

·       gourmet fetta and plain fetta cheese from Casa Cheeses in Cottesloe;

·       honey garlic and spare rib sauces from Wisemate Foods of Osborne Park;

·       mineral water from Aqua-Vital of Osborne Park;

·       royal jelly and honey from Honeybee Enterprises of Osborne Park;

·       pate and dip from Regal Pate of Bayswater;

·       nougat from Golden Boronia of Kewdale;

·       salad and pasta dressings from Nature's Cuisine in Bayswater;

·       terrines from Gourmet Chef Foods in Bayswater;

·       beer from Fremantle Brewing;

·       yoghurt from Northern Rivers in Canning Vale;

·       marmalade and jellies from Rivendell Gardens in Yallingup;

·       fruit wine from the Berry Farm in Margaret River.

The samples will be displayed at Jetro's New Imports Showcase in Osaka in February, which enables selected companies to benefit from exposure to the very large range of potential importers and distributors who visit the exhibition seeking out new products.

Mr Cowan said that Mr Tada was the third Jetro representative to visit Western Australia this year.  The others dealt with giftware and medical equipment.

The Department of Commerce and Trade had worked closely with Jetro on these visits to ensure that local companies had the chance to learn from an acknowledged Japan market expert at first hand.

"Mr Tada's own company imports foreign foods and is currently carrying over 4,000 items," Mr Cowan said.

"It is interesting to note also why Jetro did not purchase samples of other food items during the visit.

"In one case, a dried meat product was not bought because the product was regarded as too dry and too dark in colour for the Japanese market.  Dark meat is old meat to the Japanese.

"The company concerned was very interested in Mr Tada's recommendations and advice and is prepared to change the processes to satisfy Japanese tastes.

"In another case, confectionery was not purchased because of its packaging.  Japanese requirements are very specific and the firm is now examining ways of meeting them."

Mr Tada took part in a seminar while he was in WA to give local producers a better understanding of Japanese requirements and trends.

Media contact:  Peter Jackson 222 9595