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India is already a key market for Australian wines,
wheat and apples and efforts are now at various levels to ensure more
shelf space for Aussie products in the supermarkets.
In the high-profile wine segment, companies like De Bortoli
Wines Pty Ltd (which one more than a medal at the India Wine challenge
last year, Domaine Chandon and Yering Station are working on the industry
bodies, local governments and the authorities in Canberra to boost exports
to countries like India, seeking better market access through lower tariffs
and wide distribution facilities. Moet & Chandon, feels that Asian
markets like India hold a lot of promise though Europe, the US and Japan
are major consumers of Australian wine now.
Cheese is another product that the Australians find
will sell well in India. Michael Dwyer, national sales manager at Jindi
Cheese, is looking for a robust marketing and distribution link in India
while Dairy Australia is emphasising on quality of Australian products,
free of pesticides and fertiliser residues, diseases and pollution to
expand markets in Asia, reports Economic
Times.
Michael Doherty, managing director of Aurora Gourmet
Produce, is exporting grain-fed lamb of consistent quality to Russia and
Asian countries like Malaysia. Large markets like India will be on his
radar for premium products sought after by restaurants for their consistent
quality.
Australians are also eyeing the premium salmon and meat
products.
India already imports table grapes, citrus fruits, peaches,
plums and cherries from Australia. In the case of apple, India is the
top market for Australian produce which compete well with Washington apples.
The Indian government was also importing wheat from Australia till drought
hit production in the country. Government officials in Australia are hopeful
that production would increase sharply due to good rains during recent
months and consumers like India will return to buy grain again.
Australian government and trade-promotion agencies are
also pushing for export of vegetables and premium products like extra
virgin olive oil. Farmers in various parts of the country, including the
outskirts of Canberra, are growing olives and the oil they produce now
competes with premium brands from Europe. India is considered a potential
market for olive oil in view of its health benefits.
Australians are not alone in their efforts. Chile, USA,
Spain and Italy have also sniffed the opportunities available. Next month
an Italian delegation of wine, food, cheese, meats, fresh vegetables consisting
more than 15 companies representing small to big houses including powerful
co-operatives has planned to visit Delhi, Mumbai and Possibly Bangalore
and Hyderabad with a similar canvas tucked under their arms.
Things were never so good for the Indian consumer with
the choice of quality food and wine increasing ever so fast
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