Sri Lankan trade delegation forges strong business links with Australia

The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Consulate General in Melbourne (SLCG) and the Sri Lanka-Australia Chamber of Commerce (SLACC), successfully organised a trade delegation to Melbourne, Australia, from 2 to 6 September.

The delegation comprised 17 distinguished Sri Lankan companies, each selected through an interview process for their excellence in the food industry. These companies represented a diverse array of specialties, including Ceylon Tea, spices, processed food, coconut-based products, and food packaging. The participating companies were Bespice Ltd., Black Tea Exports Ltd., CAP Organic Ltd., Ceylbee International Ltd., Ceylon Beverage Can Ltd., Derana Marketing Services Ltd., Enrich Tea & Food Exports Ltd., Finch Foods Ltd. and Freelan Enterprises Ltd., Haritha Ceylon Ltd., Hero Nature Products Ltd., Lihini Nature Products Ltd., Maharaja Foods Ltd., Manchiee De Coco Products, Sena Mills Refineries Exports Ltd., Unistar International Ltd. and Wewelwala Mills Ltd. These companies were chosen for their innovation, quality, and potential to make a significant impact in the Australian market.

This mission was a follow-up to the Aboriginal Economic Development Group’s visit to Sri Lanka in September 2023, which laid the groundwork for expanding trade between the two nations. As a key event, the delegation underscored Sri Lanka’s potential in key export areas such as Ceylon Tea, spices, processed food, coconut-based products, and food packaging.

Delegates were privileged to attend the Fine Food Australia 2024, the largest trade event in Australia for food, packaging and hospitality industry. This exhibition, known for showcasing cutting-edge products and top suppliers, offered the Sri Lankan participants an unparalleled opportunity to meet with international partners, secure valuable deals, and explore trends that could be incorporated into Sri Lanka’s food export industry. The full-day event allowed Sri Lankan companies to network and gain exposure to the competitive Australian market.

Sri Lankan delegation participated in Business-to-Business (B2B) meetings organised by the SLCG and SLACC during the visit. SLCG has invited Sri Lanka Business Council in Melbourne for business meetings to partnering with the Sri Lankan delegates. The delegation continued with another round of B2B meetings with Kinaway Chamber of Commerce – Melbourne with the participation of members of other chambers such as Finland Australia Chamber of Commerce and Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Australia. These meetings helped establish direct connections with Australian buyers and distributors, further advancing Sri Lanka’s trade interests in Australia. 

The Kinaway Global Alliance received Sri Lankan delegation at the Victorian Parliament House where delegates had the chance to connect with the members of Victorian Parliament and engage with local industry leaders and indigenous business owners during the networking session. 

To gain insights into the retail supply chain in Australia, the delegates visited to a distribution centre enabling them to explore how their products could integrate into local markets. The inclusion of retailers and distribution channels was key to understanding the logistical processes needed to secure a foothold in Australian markets.

The delegates met Nornie Bero, CEO and Founder of Mabu Mabu, an indigenous Australian food business renowned for its commitment to showcasing native ingredients and sustainable food practices. Mabu Mabu, is a unique food business that focuses on bringing Indigenous Australian ingredients to the forefront of the culinary world. Nornie Bero, a celebrated chef and cultural ambassador, was enthusiastic about the potential business collaborations with the Sri Lankan delegation.

Delegates attended an information sharing session on Australian Biosecurity Import Conditions (BICON) organised by the SLCG with the participation of the officials of Australia Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. This session was crucial in helping the Sri Lankan exporters understand the strict regulations governing the import of goods into Australia, particularly in the food sector. 

This trade mission facilitated by the EDB, opened numerous doors for Sri Lankan exporters in the Australian market. The delegation gained critical insights into biosecurity and market requirements, while also forming invaluable connections with potential buyers and partners. A key aspect of the mission was the focus on increasing cultural knowledge and capability, which is essential for long-term success in international markets.

The participation of influential figures, such as Mabu Mabu CEO Nornie Bero, marked a significant milestone for Sri Lankan food exports to Australia. With Mabu Mabu now exploring the possibility of sourcing food products from Sri Lanka, the mission stands as a testament to the opportunities for Sri Lankan exporters to supply premium products to the Australian market. 

This outward trade delegation was an important step towards increasing awareness among Sri Lankan exporters of the Australian market. The delegation’s success highlighted the importance of such missions in expanding international trade and fostering long-term partnerships. The support of the Sri Lanka Consulate General in Melbourne and the Sri Lanka-Australia Chamber of Commerce, combined with the collaboration between the 17 participating companies, ensures that the foundation for future trade success has been firmly established.