Clyde River oyster farmers have launched the company, Australia's Oyster Coast, in China on Sunday, August 16, in a concerted South Coast marketing push.
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Jade Norris, whose family runs Batemans Bay's Wray St Oyster Shed, has been part of the Australia's Oyster Coast contingent attending trade fairs in Guangzhou, China, and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council Food Expo.
Ms Norris presented oysters at the expo, which attracted more than 200,000 visitors, including restaurant owners.
"The trade show allows Australia's Oyster Coast to make direct contact with the chefs, restaurants and distributors in Hong Kong and mainland China, whom we'd like to do business with," Ms Norris said on Sunday, August 16, before flying back to Australia.
"The buyers in Hong Kong want to know all about our oysters and the region in which they are grown.
"I was able to share my passion for our wonderful oysters and educate people about our industry, including my own family's oyster farming story."
The Hon Stuart Ayres MP, Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events, launched the company, which combines generations of South and Far South Coast oyster growing experience, in China’s seafood capital, Guangzhou, on Sunday.
Company chairman David Trebeck said Australia’s Oyster Coast had recently commenced exporting premium fresh oysters to China, building on the company’s earlier export success in Hong Kong and Singapore.
"The company has a strong focus on quality and high standards to ensure only premium products reach the market place here in China," Mr Trebeck said.
"We appreciate the generous support of Minister Ayres, the NSW Government and Austrade in working with us in these sophisticated and competitive markets. "
Forty five of Australia’s leading oyster growers are shareholders in the new company, operating in eight South Coast estuaries.
Australia’s Oyster Coast region is unique, as it produces three varieties of premium oysters, including the Sydney Rock Oyster, the rare Angasi ‘flat oyster’ and the popular Pacific Oyster.
These oysters are grown under rigorous environmental management systems, in some of the world’s cleanest waters, by passionate oyster growers with generations of experience.
"Australia’s Oyster Coast is a great example of the excellence of NSW producers and I am delighted to launch their export program in China today," Mr Ayres said.
"Here and internationally, consumers are increasingly interested in where their food comes from, who produces it and how it is grown.
"Australia’s Oyster Coast has tapped into this consumer sentiment.
"Not only are they producing world class oysters, they are showcasing the best of NSW to the world, with a provenance-focused brand, underpinned by the development of an oyster trail."
The Australia’s Oyster Coast Trail is an emerging tourist destination, extending for more than 300 kilometres along some of Australia’s most beautiful coastline.
The trail allows visitors to taste the distinctive and exceptional flavours of world-class oysters, learn about oyster cultivation from oyster growers, and experience the natural beauty of Australia’s Oyster Coast first-hand.
‘We are delighted with how well our product and brand has been received in Guangzhou," Mr Trebeck said.
"The Chinese market is familiar with Pacific oysters and we are confident ours are among the world’s best.
"On the other hand, Sydney Rock Oysters and Angasi oysters are relatively new to the Chinese market and we have been impressed with the level of interest and sales.
"We are determined to partner with the best restaurants in China to deliver a great product and a unique experience for their customers.
"We hope to see these customers on the Australia’s Oyster Coast Trail."
