Food producers showcase their products to Chinese delegation

The City of Whittlesea has played host to a delegation of Chinese buyers from Chongqing as part of a week-long program promoting local food businesses.

The group travelled to Melbourne with the support of the newly established Melbourne’s North Food Group supported by NORTH Link and northern region councils, including the City of Whittlesea.

The Chongqing delegation included senior delegates from Beijing, Chongqing University and major buyers interested in developing links to the region and sourcing food, beverage and associated products from local food and mother and baby manufacturers.

The week included a welcome function at the Plenty Ranges Arts and Convention Centre, a Food and Beverage Expo, visit to the Melbourne Wholesale Fruit, Vegetable and Flower Market, tours of manufacturing businesses including within the City of Whittlesea, and Research and Development facilities such as RMIT Food Research and Innovation Centre.

Mayor Kris Pavlidis welcomed these type of opportunities for the municipality.

“This delegation will hopefully create ongoing trade partnerships within our area, and boost our international economic profile,” she said.

“Melbourne’s north is home to more than 400 food and beverage business who have an annual turnover of more than $1million each.

“We have some wonderful producers in our region and we recognise the opportunity to share these products with the rest of the world.

“Melbourne’s north provides a strategic advantage for transport, logistics, and most important quality product. And our guests from Chongqing and Beijing have experienced that first-hand this week.”

Learn more about Melbourne’s North Food Group.