The Morrison Government is helping Australian made ice cream reach taste buds around the world, with record exports worth $46 million in 2020-21.
Popular Australian brand name exports like Drumsticks, Bulla, Weis bar and Magnums are being sold in Taiwan, Hong Kong, Mainland China, Philippines, Thailand and South Korea as well as the UK and US.
The Morrison Government’s $72.7 million Agribusiness Expansion Initiative is supporting Australian exporters, including ice-cream makers and dairy producers, to reach new international markets.
Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Dan Tehan said Australia was recognised as a world-leading producer of premium dairy products.
“A cold ice-cream on a hot summer’s day is one of life’s simple pleasures, and one we’re exporting to the rest of the world,” Mr Tehan said.
“Our grass-fed cows produce high-quality cream and milk, so it’s no surprise that international customers are lapping up our ice-creams and dairy products.
“Our innovative producers are even creating unique Australia flavours like manuka honey and macadamia nuts to reach even more international customers.
“Australian dairy farmers are overcoming challenges posed by the pandemic and global trade settings, and the Australian Government is right behind them as they display their wares to the world and in turn support more jobs across Australia.”
Operating out of the South West Victorian regional hub of Colac, Bulla Dairy Foods doubled its exports to Malaysia in 2020 and employed an additional 200 people to meet the demand for its products both domestically and overseas.
Bulla International Business Manager Sam Zhang said: “Our international growth has no limit. Austrade has been and will be pivotal to our export business. They’ve helped us find new customers and sell on major platforms.”
In South Australia, daily cooperative Norco recorded strong export sales across the financial year and achieved record returns for its 300 farmer-owners operating across south east Queensland and northern New South Wales.
Norco General Manager Export Tanya Crowther said: “Besides driving incremental profit, our focus on export growth is instrumental in building the farmer-owned Norco brand in key markets. The Austrade assistance is invaluable and a welcome strategic outcome for all stakeholders.”
Austrade provided Norco with market research, key international contacts and assisted with regulatory requirements, as well as helped showcase its products at virtual events in lieu of international travel.
