The Victorian Government’s Greater China network of five trade and investment offices have been using the Victorian Food and Fibre Trade Pavilion (Vic House) in Shanghai to promote and facilitate the export of Victorian dairy products into China.

Since its establishment in October 2021, Vic House has served as a valuable platform to assist Victorian exporters enter and expand their presence in Greater China. Victoria's high quality dairy products were highlighted as part of a food and beverage exhibition on Monday 10 April at Vic House, attracting over 300 buyers, distributors, chefs and retailers.

The exhibition showcased over 50 Victorian companies’ products including dairy brands such as Bulla, Bega, Chobani, ViPlus and Binda Valley.

Delegates were treated to dairy product demonstrations and tastings, highlighting the variety, quality and versatility of Victorian dairy products including cheese, butter, yoghurt, milk, milk powder and ice cream. This was accompanied by other demonstrations for beef and lamb, spirits and wine, horticulture, and consumer health and personal care products.

Further meetings were conducted after the exhibition with potential buyers.

Last year, Victorian dairy exports to China experienced a record high, valued at $794 million and totalling 246,000 tonnes. This record has been driven by cheese, powdered milk and powdered cream products. The value of Victorian dairy exports globally reached $2.5 billion, cementing the state’s position as the number one exporter of dairy products in Australia.

Victoria accounted for 73 per cent of Australia’s total dairy exports.

Following the Vic House Exhibition, many Victorian companies including Bulla, Bega and Viplus joined the Victorian Government trade and investment team at the China Food and Drinks Fair in Chengdu (12-14 April) to further strengthen brand awareness and trade opportunities across Greater China.

In Victoria, the government supports the Dairy Australia Scholarships program which welcomes inbound buyers and future industry leaders from Southeast Asia, China and Japan to learn about Victoria’s dairy capabilities and to build relationships. In 2024 it will be the 25th anniversary of the Dairy Australia Scholarships program. Two Dairy Australia Scholarships delegations from China will visit Victoria this year, in May and August 2023.