A NSW Government website

Food and Beverage to South Korea and Japan

The NSW Going Global Export Program provides export support for NSW early-stage exporters or new-to-market exporters. Eligible businesses can apply for free support to export food and beverage products to South Korea and Japan. Applications open on Monday 3 February 2025 and close on Friday 28 February 2025.

Program dates

March to June 2025

Key event

This program focuses on preparing your business to exhibit on the NSW stand within the Australian pavilion at Seoul Food 2025. As an optional addition, we are offering support for a market research visit to Japan for interested participants.  

KOREA

Seoul Food & Hotel 2025External Link, Seoul, 10 - 13 June 2025.

In-person attendance at the event is required.

JAPAN

Attend Expo 2025 OsakaExternal Link and participate in Tokyo Retail Tour 16-18 June 2025.

This Japan experience is an optional activity following Seoul Food.

Why these markets

Japan and Korea are priority markets for NSW and both are in the top 5Download File export destinations for NSW exports.   

Australia has long standing Free Trade Agreements with both countries (JAEPAExternal Link and KAFTA)External Link as well as the more recent RCEP Agreement.External Link These provide valuable access for NSW Food and Beverage exporters.  

Both Japan and Korea have large populations and a high reliance on imported food. Both countries are known for their world-class food cultures. 

With a relatively high GDP/per capita (ranked 21st and 22nd amongst OECDExternal Link), consumers in these markets are willing and able to pay for premium, healthy, innovative and functional F&B products. 

Australia is seen by Korea and Japan as a producer of high-quality food, beverages and ingredients, offering strong potential for exporters who are prepared to commit to building brands and relationships in both markets.

Participation requirements and success factors

Eligibility for the overall Program

  • Have headquarters in NSW
  • Have a valid Australian Business Number (ABN) registered for NSW 
  • Be export-capable and export-ready 
  • Have an employee number between 5 and 199 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees  
  • The product or service must be produced primarily in NSW 
  • The product or service is achieving sales already 
  • Have a website featuring the product or service
  • Be prepared to adapt the product or service for the market
  • Be flexible regarding market-entry method
  • Have resources to support marketing and development for a new market
  • Be willing to travel to the selected markets and/or to Sydney for events, and must cover own travel expenses

Note: this program is designed for NSW businesses who produce and own their own brand. This program is not for aggregators, traders, or businesses who sell services to exporters

Additional eligibility requirements for this stream

  • Applicant businesses must have a market-ready product with potential appeal for this region

The ideal participant

  • Able to respond to enquiries from South Korea and Japan quickly
  • Commitment and flexibility to build trusted relationships with customers in the target markets

Ideal product categories

  • Bulk for food manufacturing ingredients or as packaged products 
  • Red meat including beef, veal and lamb 
  • Dairy products including UHT milk, frozen cream, butter and cheese of all types 
  • Functional foods and health supplements including healthy snacks, meal replacements, beauty supplements 
  • Premium beverage including non-alcoholic wine and carbonated drinks 
  • Range of seafood products – frozen or chilled 
  • Sauces, dressings, edible oils and condiments 
  • Breakfast cereals, grains and pulses 
  • Organic products with Korean organic certification or that are willing to trade as non-organic product in Korea 
  • Products should:
    • Be unique, price competitive and consistent quality  
    • Have (or can be adapted for) minimum 12-month shelf life, 10 degrees display shelves  
  • Dairy, meat and seafood items are/can be compliant with import quotas, restrictions, and other market access regulations 

This stream is not fit for purpose for wine products. NSW wineries interested in support to enter Korea and Japan markets should contact Investment NSW directly.

Note: Applicants who have not previously participated in a Going Global Export Program to South Korea and/or to Japan will be given priority. 

Curriculum

This program has a core focus on preparing your business to exhibit effectively at Seoul Food Hotel 2025 as part of the NSW delegation exhibiting in the Australian Pavilion. Seoul Food is Korea’s largest F&B trade show attracting importers, distributors, retailers and HORECA representatives from across the region: Seoul Food & Hotel 2025External Link. 

As an optional extra a Japan program (dependent on demand) will provide your business opportunity to undertake firsthand market research with support from our offshore network. 

Introductory sessions

  • Welcome session - around the first week of April 2025.
  • Introduction to the South Korea food and beverage ecosystem and doing business in Korea. 
  • Access to 13 self-serve factsheets developed by the Export Council of Australia exclusively for Going Global participants. 
  • Freight logistics and compliance. 
  • Access to Intellectual Property protection briefings from IP Australia.  

Market intelligence briefings and cultural training  

  • Market briefing and sector-specific opportunities
  • Market specific business culture/business preparedness briefing.  
  • Regulatory requirements for doing business in the South Korea.  
  • South Korean business etiquette, cultural awareness and negotiation principles. 
  • Guidance on pitching to South Korean buyers. 

In market support and potential partner introductions (Korea) 

  • In-person participation at trade shows Seoul Food and Hotel, with in-market assistance and logistical support from Investment NSW. 
  • Introduction to potential partners throughout the event where possible. 

Optional Japan Program (subject to demand) 

  • This part of the program is optional, and delivery depends on demand 
  • Provides an opportunity to attend the Australia pavilion at Osaka Expo 
  • Delivers an in market briefing session in Tokyo, followed by a guided tour of F&B retail sites to further your market knowledge 
  • Business matching is not guaranteed but may be available depending on product (tbc) 

Ongoing advice and follow up  

  • Ongoing support provided by a dedicated NSW Government Export Adviser. 
  • Access to 20 self-serve modules on e-commerce strategy and skill development, hosted by the Global Trade Professionals Alliance. 

We estimate that you will invest 10 hours on our educational/training programs prior to travelling in-market.  This does not include optional activities or work your businesses may need to do outside of sessions. 

 

*note: final dates are to be confirmed and the curriculum is subject to change.

How to apply

Apply nowExternal Link

Applications open on Monday 3 February and close on Friday 28 February 2025.