WA produce on show in Shanghai

WA producers are trying to break into the Chinese market via the country's biggest trade exhibition for food and wine.

From whisky to beef to breadcrumbs, nougat, honey and olives, Food & Hotel China is the country's largest and longest trade expo and features 1100 companies from 77 countries.

For the first-time, WA will have its own stand at the Shanghai event where 12 local companies will display their goods.

The exhibit is being co-ordinated by the Department of Agriculture and Food and the WA Trade and Investment Promotion Office in Shanghai.

Agriculture and Food Minister Ken Baston said China already ranked as the State's highest value market for agriculture and food products and there were enormous prospects to further strengthen the market.

"Western Australia is in a strong position to become a preferred supplier of high-quality and safe food to China and other key Asian markets," Mr Baston said. "This is not only due to our proximity to Asia, but because of our world-class biosecurity systems, our research and innovation, our modern supply chain infrastructure and food safety systems.

"Companies who exhibit at this trade event will have the opportunity to present their goods to importers and distributors who are on the lookout for internationally branded products."

The Great Southern Distilling Company will exhibit its whisky products at the exhibition for the first time.

Company director Cameron Syme said the company had won gold, silver and bronze medals in international spirit competitions, and was now ready to start exporting.

"Participating in China's global food and hospitality expo will give us the exposure and allow us to make the contacts we need to successfully launch our brand and products into the Chinese market," Mr Syme said.

The exhibition will run from November 13-15.

Exhibitors will also participate in the first Food & Hotel China West China Roadshow in Chengdu next Monday.