Victoria Minister for Agriculture Jaclyn Symes

Victorian Food And Fibre Exports Reach Record High

Victor P Taffa

Minister for Agriculture Jaclyn Symes today released the 2017-18 Victorian Food and Fibre Export Performance Report, which shows an overall increase of 11 % or $1.4 Billion on the previous year.

“Growth in Victorian food and fibre exports is outstanding and is a credit to the state’s hardworking producers, manufactures and exporters who are leading the way to make Victoria the food and wine capital of Australia.” Minister for Agriculture Jaclyn Symes said.

“These excellent results show we’re on track to meet our ambitious food and fibre export target of $20 Billion by 2030 which will create jobs, boost business and support communities across Victoria.”

Victoria now accounts for 27 % of Australia’s total food and fibre export, with strong growth across most commodities last financial year.

Victorian food and fibre exports now contribute a record $14.1 Billion to the state’s economy and is on-track to meet the Andrews Government’s target of $20 Billion by 2030.

A strength of Victoria’s food and fibre sector is its diversity and reputation for producing quality, clean and healthy food for key Asian markets.

China remains Victoria’s number one export market, with exports growing 27 % on the previous year to a total value of $4.6 Billion in 2017-18. Japan and the United States are Victoria’s second and third most valuable export markets.

Victoria’s meat industry was particularly strong, with exports up 37 % on the previous year, reaching a total value of $3.3 Billion. This has made the meat industry the state’s most valuable food and fibre export in 2017-18.

Increasing number and wealth of the world’s middle class means consumers are increasingly seeking prepared meals. Victoria’s prepared food exports performed strongly, with exports growing by 15 % on the previous year to be valued at $1.7 Billion.

Wine exports also grew strongly, with a 36 % increase in exports to the United Kingdom and 39 % rise in exports to China. Other highlights of the report include:

• Citrus rose by $28 Million to be valued at $147 Million
• Dairy rose by $160 Million to be valued at $1.9 Billion
• Prepared foods rose by $229 Million to be valued at $1.7 Billion
• Wool rose by $326 Million to be valued at $2.1 Billion
• Seafood rose by $36 Million to be valued at $240 Million
• Wine rose by $73 Million to be valued at $363 Million