There is big interest in Sunraysia produce from one of the world’s wealthiest countries.

A Sunraysia trade delegation has just returned from Brunei and doors are being opened to our horticulture products.

Mildura Rural City Council Mayor John Arnold, who was with the delegation, said there was widespread interest in a number of local products.

Over the past 12 months, Mildura has exported a range of produce to the Brunei market including dried fruit, honey, citrus and table grapes and export of primary produce is set to grow after Mildura Rural City Council and the Sunraysia Mallee Economic Development Board’s efforts in Brunei.

The delegation attended the 2^nd International Halal Products Expo.

Austrade provided support to the councils of Mildura, Baw Baw, Hume and Ararat with their combined exhibit.

MRCC and SMEDB have each recently signed an agreement with the Bruneian Government to develop product to be sold under the Brunei halal food brand.

Mildura businesses now need to meet the accreditation requirements for the brand.

“We are pleased to have been able to support the local businesses that did attend and to represent others that wanted to make expressions of interest,” Cr Arnold said.

“The Mildura delegation fielded a lot of interest in local products at the expo.

“Significant inquiries were made for almonds, non-alcoholic sparkling fruit drinks, citrus, olive oil, dried fruit and honey.”

A Brunei delegation toured the region in March and Beekeeper’s Choice manager Ian Oakley said it was important a reciprocal trip was made.

“Travelling to Brunei tells the Brunei Government that I’m serious about exporting and dealing,” Mr Oakley said.

“In March they went through our factory and they were over the moon about what we’re doing. I was surprised by how excited they were.”

Beekeeper’s Choice already exports a small amount of honey to the Brunei market, but Mr Oakley said the creation of a broader international halal brand presented a great opportunity for smaller producers to get on the world stage.

“The economic development board has introduced me to a lot of people related to honey and then the Brunei trip came up and I thought that would be too good to be true. It’s just ideal to deal with one company and have the product eventually go all around the world,” he said.

Mr Oakley said the delegation had made him more aware of the benefits of council’s efforts to promote the region overseas.

“I had felt that council should not be involved in going overseas. Now I understand it’s almost expected in those countries and local government certainly has a role to play.

“There’s been a lot of work done and there needs to be some recognition of that.”

The region’s almonds also proved popular on the trip and MQH Investments manager Paul Lock said local government’s role in the delegation helped open doors.

“The Bruneians do like to deal with the government – whether that’s on a state or local level, they like the comfort of having government involved,” Mr Lock said.

“Without government on board, we’d be back at square one.”

Mr Lock said the almonds his business produced had a wide range of potential markets.

“Almonds have a long shelf life and a wide range of applications,” he said.

Sunraysia Mallee Economic Development Board Chief Executive Officer Andrew Millen said some exporters in the Mildura region already had Australian or related halal accreditation.

“This puts these businesses in a good position to take advantage of future opportunities in this market,” Mr Millen said.

“All of our displayed products were well received. We’re developing some very good contacts and hopefully the opportunities will be there for Mildura businesses to continue discussions,” Mr Millen said.

Businesses seeking further information on the accreditation process should contact the SMEDB.

Mildura Midweek. August 28, 2007.