The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Consulate General in Melbourne (SLCG) and the Sri Lanka-Australia Chamber of Commerce (SLACC), successfully organized a trade delegation to Melbourne, Australia, from September 2 to 6. This initiative brought together 17 distinguished Sri Lankan companies, chosen through a rigorous selection process based on their excellence in the food industry.
The participating companies represented a diverse range of specialties, including Ceylon Tea, spices, processed food, coconut-based products, and food packaging. Among the notable companies involved were Bespice Ltd., Black Tea Exports Ltd., CAP Organic Ltd., Ceylbee International Ltd., Ceylon Beverage Can Ltd., Derana Marketing Services Ltd., Enrich Tea & Food Exports Ltd., Finch Foods Ltd., and Freelan Enterprises Ltd., among others. Each company was selected for its innovation, quality, and potential impact on the Australian market.
This mission was a follow-up to the Aboriginal Economic Development Group’s visit to Sri Lanka in September 2023, which established a foundation for enhanced trade between the two nations. The delegation highlighted Sri Lanka’s strong export potential in key areas such as Ceylon Tea, spices, and processed foods.
Delegates had the opportunity to attend Fine Food Australia 2024, the largest trade event in the country for the food, packaging, and hospitality industry. This exhibition showcased cutting-edge products and top suppliers, providing Sri Lankan participants with a valuable platform to connect with international partners, secure deals, and explore market trends beneficial to Sri Lanka’s food export sector.
During the visit, the Sri Lankan delegation engaged in Business-to-Business (B2B) meetings organized by the SLCG and SLACC. The SLCG also facilitated business meetings with the Sri Lanka Business Council in Melbourne. Additional B2B meetings were conducted with the Kinaway Chamber of Commerce in Melbourne, where members from other chambers, such as the Finland Australia Chamber of Commerce and the Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Australia, participated. These meetings were instrumental in establishing direct connections with Australian buyers and distributors, further advancing Sri Lanka’s trade interests in Australia.
The Kinaway Global Alliance hosted the delegation at the Victorian Parliament House, allowing delegates to connect with Victorian Parliament members and engage with local industry leaders and indigenous business owners during a networking session.
To understand the retail supply chain in Australia better, the delegates visited a distribution center, gaining insights into how their products could integrate into local markets. This visit was crucial for understanding the logistical processes needed to establish a presence in Australian markets.
The delegation also met Nornie Bero, CEO and Founder of Mabu Mabu, an indigenous Australian food business known for showcasing native ingredients and sustainable practices. Nornie expressed enthusiasm for potential collaborations with the Sri Lankan delegation.
Delegates attended an information-sharing session on Australian Biosecurity Import Conditions (BICON), organized by the SLCG in cooperation with officials from the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. This session was vital for Sri Lankan exporters to comprehend the stringent regulations governing food imports into Australia.
This trade mission, facilitated by the EDB, opened numerous opportunities for Sri Lankan exporters in the Australian market. The delegation gained crucial insights into biosecurity and market requirements while establishing invaluable connections with potential buyers and partners. A key focus of the mission was enhancing cultural knowledge and capability, essential for achieving long-term success in international markets.
The participation of influential figures like Mabu Mabu CEO Nornie Bero marked a significant milestone for Sri Lankan food exports to Australia. With Mabu Mabu exploring the possibility of sourcing food products from Sri Lanka, the mission stands as a testament to the opportunities available for Sri Lankan exporters to supply premium products to the Australian market.
This outward trade delegation was a vital step in increasing awareness among Sri Lankan exporters about the Australian market. The delegation’s success underscores the importance of such missions in expanding international trade and fostering long-term partnerships. The collaboration between the Sri Lanka Consulate General in Melbourne, the Sri Lanka-Australia Chamber of Commerce, and the 17 participating companies has laid a solid foundation for future trade success.