Australia's National Local Government Newspaper Online

Marketing fresh produce to the world

Cardinia Shire Council is taking an active role in seeking out new markets for the fresh produce grown in the region.

In February 2001, Council’s Economic Development Officer and a prominent local grower attended Gulfood 2001, a Food Trade Expo in Dubai, to showcase the quality of Koo Wee Rup Asparagus. The project was jointly funded by the Horticultural Research and Development Centre, Department of State and Regional Development, and Cardinia Shire Council.

The display promoted the clean, green image of asparagus, which was recently certified by the Department of Natural Resources and Environment as 99.9 percent chemical free. Visitors to the stand were amazed by the quality and freshness of the product, and a number of major supermarket chains and luxury hotels showed strong interest.

A database of over 75 potential buyers in the Middle East was developed during the exercise and subsequently passed on to the local asparagus growers association for follow up.

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