Fifteen South Australian companies are developing their export capability interstate through a bespoke $1.13 million National Trade Program to be delivered over four years.
The capacity building program will provide the participating companies with the opportunity to expand their business interstate, with a view to exporting overseas.
Minister for Trade and Investment Stephen Patterson said the National Trade Program is the first step in supporting South Australian companies to export their products interstate before looking to overseas markets.
“I’d like to congratulate the inaugural participants of the National Trade Program,” Minister Patterson said.
“By expanding into interstate markets in the first instance, South Australian companies will be able to test their business expansion in regions close to the home of their operations, which enables them to adapt their processes if they need to, much easier than if they were in markets overseas,” he said.
“We want to equip companies to have a full understanding of what it takes logistically, to send products to other markets. By concentrating on a national approach, they will be able to see what it takes to organise remote warehousing, distribution methods and partner requirements which will prepare them for the next stage of their export-journey.”
The National Trade Program provides training, access to industry mentors and offer direct connections to interstate buyers and distributers to help company participants secure interstate sales.
“The program is for South Australian companies who are not already exporting overseas,” Minister Patterson continued.
The initiabespoke program targeting retail ready products including food, beverage (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), wine, health and beauty.”
mumamoo is one of the successful participants of the program and is the first female-founded infant formula company in South Australia. The company provides nutritionally balanced, premium milk formula using Australian grass-fed cows’ milk.
“We are thrilled to be given the opportunity to build connections and gain direct access to mentors and training through the bespoke National Trade Program,” said Belinda Humphris, Business Development Director at mumamoo.
“With the invaluable support of the National Trade Program, we are better enabled to grow our business capabilities nationally with the aim to expand internationally in the future.”
The National Trade Program will include: export training modules delivered online by the Export Council of Australia; ongoing one-to-one mentoring with industry specific experts; opportunities to pitch to new buyer networks and channels at trade fairs.
Additionally, the Department for Trade and Investment is sponsoring all participation costs, with companies covering the costs of shipping samples interstate and any travel costs.
Successful participants in Round One of the National Trade Program include:
- Beach Road Wines
- Cloud Theory Marshmallows
- Fodden
- Island Beehive
- Kangaroo Island Oats
- Kimchi Club
- mumamoo Group
- OrganiQ Kangaroo Island
- Palilco Bee Cosmetics
- Rosevale Lentils
- Simon Tolley Wines
- Sinclair Distillery
- Toolunka Estate
- Warndu
- Yours Truly Chocolates
Source: Government of South Australia media release