Sunshine Coast seafood exporters have taken part in a trade mission that could open doors to lucrative Southeast Asian markets.
Representatives from a selection of local companies flew to Singapore as part of a Sunshine Coast Council and Trade and Investment Queensland (TIQ) pilot initiative.
The scheme aims to broaden international exposure, boost consumer awareness and see more overseas chefs featuring the region’s seafood on their menus.
Singapore is regarded as a launchpad for exporters, potentially opening doors to neighbouring markets like Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and Macau.
Sunshine Coast councillor Joe Natoli said the trade mission opened the door to future export initiatives and local jobs.
“Currently 18 per cent of locally produced goods and services are being exported outside the region and we are on track to achieve our goal to reach 20 per cent by 2033 as outlined in the Sunshine Coast Regional Economic Development Strategy,” he said.
“This trade mission highlights the exceptional quality of local seafood and shines a spotlight on the industry’s commitment to innovation, sustainability and delivering first-class products to the world.
“Additionally, the increase in exports helps create more local jobs and opportunities in the seafood industry and strengthens our economy.”
Four experienced exporters – Walkers Seafood, Fraser Isle Spanner Crab, Silver Sea Seafood and San Antone Food Group – took centre stage during the trade mission in Singapore on May 13.
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They each shared their passion, products and expertise with a global audience.
Beyond showcasing premium products, the mission offered Sunshine Coast businesses a chance to connect face-to-face with chefs, buyers and importers, while also sharing insights into Australia’s highly regulated fishing industry.
Silver Sea Seafood managing director Jacky Cartwright said the trip highlighted the vital role fishers and small businesses play in delivering premium seafood to the table.
“This trip offered a valuable opportunity to connect with both new and existing buyers, share the ocean-to-plate story behind the eastern king prawn and showcase our new shelf-stable prawn stock,” she said.
TIQ’s South-East Asia senior trade and investment commissioner Shannon Leahy said the trade mission was a celebration of the quality, innovation and resilience that defined the Sunshine Coast seafood industry.
“From Walkers’ shelf-stable tuna jars to Fraser Isle’s premium spanner crabs, the event was a testament to the passion and dedication driving these companies toward global success,” he said.
