WA food & wine producers to attend ANUGA food fair in Germany

6/10/97

Eight Western Australian food and wine producers will be attending the world's largest food fair, held in Germany, next week.

ANUGA, in Cologne, attracts more than 6,000 exhibitors from almost 100 countries. Some 200,000 visitors are expected to attend this year's event.

"WA's 'clean-green' image and diversity of products will be on display for the world to see," Commerce and Trade Minister Hendy Cowan said today.

"We are keen to help local companies to establish markets in Europe."

WA exhibitors include wine producers, meat exporters, and yabbie and seafood producers. The eight WA companies attending ANUGA are seeking to either:

+ establish markets for their products in Europe;

+ find a joint-venture partner to expand their business base;

+ acquire and keep abreast of new technology; or -

+ develop an international company profile.

"The State's overall presence at ANUGA is being organised by the Department of Commerce and Trade, in conjunction with Agwest Trade and Development," Mr Cowan said.

"While at ANUGA, the State Government will be promoting trade and investment opportunities in the agribusiness sector."

The Government is targeting 100 key multinational food companies and agricultural co-operatives based in Europe to identify potential investment in WA. The sectors in which investment is being promoted are pigs, dairy, beef, olives, other horticulture and wine.

The exhibition takes place from October 11 to October 16.

Media contact: Peter Jackson 9222 9595