Local exporters, large and small, agree there is significant opportunity resulting from the Bruneian Government’s interest in produce from the Mildura region.

Business representatives joined a local delegation that has just returned from Brunei and all are excited by the opportunities the creation of a premium halal food brand presents.

While local honey, citrus, nuts and dried fruit are already exported to Brunei, the substantial food processing industry an international Halal food brand would create would increase volumes significantly.

The SMEDB will continue helping interested businesses through the accreditation process that will be required for the Brunei Halal Food Brand, which local businesses agree provides exciting opportunities.

Almonds and honey have been identified as two significant opportunities for export.

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

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

“They’ve already been here 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 Bruneian market, but he said the creation of a broader international Halal brand presented a great opportunity for smaller producers to get on to 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 that I’ve been overseas to Brunei and both times Council’s been involved, I understand it’s almost expected in those countries and that 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 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 have a wide range of applications,” he said.

“The Bruneians are serious, they’ve got big ideas and they do want to do business with Australia.”

Mr Lock praised the work of Council’s members on the delegation.

“The delegation that went over there was fantastic.  There was no down time - they really did their bit for the town and that was great.”

“These opportunities are worth exploring.  You’ve got to make sure you have the resources to back up what you promise, and that includes future expansion of your business.”

Sunraysia Mallee Economic Development Board. Mildura Rural City Council. Media Release. August 24, 2007.