The recently released outcomes from an in-market Supply Chain Analysis of Malaysia and Thailand demonstrate the potential for the development of a collaborative export marketing model for the South Australian potato industry. The state is the nation’s largest producer, with farm gate production worth more than $206 million.
Funded by the South Australian Government Departments of State Development (DSD) and Primary Industries and Regions South Australia (PIRSA), together with industry through the South Australian Potato Industry Trust (SAPIT), the project was managed by peak industry body, Potatoes South Australia and delivered by AsiaAustralis.
The project focused on seed and fresh potato exports to these two markets which were identified as priorities in a Federal Government report, “Export Strategy for Australian Potatoes 2014’19”.
Chief Executive Officer of Potatoes South Australia, Ms Robbie Davis said “this is an excellent example of a public-private partnership which has combined funding and expertise to produce intelligence and a better understanding of our South East Asian trading partners. This will be used by the industry to develop a strategy for a targeted coordinated approach to export into these markets”.
A stakeholder workshop held on 13 April was used to discuss the project report and determine the next steps for prospective exporters, who want to capitalise on the distinct windows of opportunity in these markets.
“We will definitely build on these results to develop a long term pathway to market based on what the markets want; not what we think they need. A successful sustainable export strategy will not be based on a means to address rising production costs or domestic oversupply. It will be based on our premium quality and consistency of supply”, Ms Davis added.
Increasing exports is a key priority for the Association and this aligns well with one of the South Australian Government’s economic directions of securing the state’s position as a preferred global supplier of premium food and wine from our clean environment.
The project’s outcomes will be officially announced at an industry function in June.
For more information:
Robbie Davis
Potatoes SA
Tel: +61 8 8425 4531
Email: robbiedavis@potatoessa.com
