A NSW Government website

Food, Beverage and Consumer Health to Greater China

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 Agri, Food and Beverage and Consumer Health products to Greater China. Applications open on Monday 21 October and close on Wednesday, 20 November 2024.

Program dates

March 2025 to May 2025.

Key event

  • A specialised business-matching / showcase event in mainland China (Guangzhou, Chengdu) and Hong Kong in May 2025  
  • In-person attendance at the event is required.

Why this market

  • China offers substantial growth opportunities for Australian businesses as its largest trading partner, supported by a rising middle class. 
  • As Australia's largest trading partner, accounting for 32.5% of its total exports in 2023, China offers significant trade in agriculture, resources, and services.  
  • The China-Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA)External Link further enhances market access across key industries, solidifying China as a prime market for NSW business expansion and collaboration.

NSW trading relationship with China

  • Conditions are favourable for NSW food and beverage and consumer health businesses to export to Greater China. 
  • China was NSW's largest destination for agricultural and manufactured goods in 2023-2024 with exports worth $5.2b, driven by China's proximity to NSW, relative purchasing power, and positive reception of our products. 
  • Demand from Chinese buyers for these products are high across the country due to rising income levels and positive sentiment for Australian products.   
  • According to AsiaLink’s Doing Business in China report, China’s middle class is expected to reach 70 per cent of its population by 2030 and as NSW's largest two-way trading partner for almost 20 years, NSW/China two-way goods trade worth A$57.4b last financial year. 
  • NSW is home to many existing food and beverage, consumer health businesses with products appropriate for the China market and who can benefit from strengthened trade opportunities between Australia and China.

Curriculum

Introductory sessions   

  • Welcome session 
  • Access to 13 self-serve factsheets developed by the Export Council of Australia exclusively for Going Global participants 
  • Access to Intellectual Property protection briefings from IP Australia

Market intelligence briefing and cultural training

  • Market briefing and sector-specific opportunities; market specific business culture; regulatory requirements

Partner search and introductions  

  • In-person participation at tradeshow and private product showcases – with in-market assistance and logistical support from Investment NSW  
  • Identification of potential partners 
  • Targeted 1:1 business matching meetings  

Ongoing advice and follow up  

  • Ongoing support provided by a dedicated NSW Government Export Adviser

*Note: Final dates are to be confirmed and the curriculum may be subject to change.  

Participation requirements and success factors

Eligibility for the overall Program

To be eligible for the Going Global Export Program, the applicant business must meet core eligibility requirements listed below:  

  • 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 market expansion 
  • Be flexible regarding market-entry method 
  • Have resources to support marketing and development for market expansion 
  • Be willing to travel to the selected market and/or to Sydney for events, and must cover own travel expenses

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 

  • This program is targeting market-entry businesses. Applicants should generally not already be earning more than $250,000 (AUD) from the China market (in the last financial year) unless they can demonstrate a continuing need for government support. 
  • Applicant businesses should be China export-ready with GACC registrations or other as required and meet regulatory requirements for China and/or Hong Kong. 
  • Applicant businesses should have resources and supply capacity to supply export orders and resource capacity to participate in this program. 

The ideal participant / product categories  

  • Products that are unique, price competitive and consistent quality 
  • Products that have (or can be adapted for) at least 12-24 months shelf life and 10 Degrees Celsius in display shelves 
  • Horticulture, dairy, meat and seafood items that are/can be compliant with import quotas, restrictions, and other market access regulations 
  • Packaged goods, wine, spirits, beer 
  • Personal care, skin care, apparel (these categories are suitable for e-commerce) 
  • 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 alcoholic and non-alcoholic and carbonated drinks 
    • Range of seafood products – frozen / chilled 
    • Horticulture with market access 
    • Breakfast cereals, grains, and pulses 

Businesses not eligible for this stream 

  • Aggregators, traders, or businesses who sell services to exporters 

Note: Applicants who have not previously participated or are currently participating in a Going Global Program will be given priority for this program.  Applicants who have already participated in the NSW Going Global Export Program must demonstrate previous commitment and participation in the Program and an-ongoing commitment to deliver on the previous support.  

Information

  • For questions relating to this stream and eligibility, please contact [email protected]

How to apply

Applications closed on Wednesday, 20 November 2024.