Unlock new market opportunities across North Asia’s vibrant food and beverage markets.

Applications are now open for Global Victoria's trade mission to North Asia – featuring a Victoria and Austrade Seoul Trade Mission (4 – 5 March) and FOODEX Japan trade show in Tokyo (10 – 13 March) 2026.

What types of businesses should apply?

Export-ready Victorian food and beverage companies based or headquartered in Victoria are encouraged to apply.

Please note that this is a competitive expression of interest process with a limited number of participants. Applications will be thoroughly reviewed against the category opportunities in market.

About the market and trade mission program

Japan is Victoria's third-largest food and fibre export market, built on a respectful and mutually beneficial partnership that has strengthened over decades.  The Republic of Korea is a dynamic and growing market for Victorian food and beverage exports, underpinned by an expanding relationship built on shared economic interests and deep cultural connections.

Victorian exporters benefit from established bilateral trade agreements and a reputation for food safety and quality standards.

With global recognition as a leading supplier of premium food and agricultural products, Victorian food and beverage exporters are well-placed to meet Japan and South Korea’s rising demand for high-quality food products while benefiting from the ‘clean and green’ Australian brand that resonates powerfully with North Asia consumers.

FOODEX Japan

FOODEX Japan is the premier food and beverage trade show in North Asia, providing a comprehensive platform for business, trade, networking and innovation. Taking place at Tokyo Big Sight from 10-13 March 2026, this four-day event brings together over 3,000 global brands and decision-makers from 80 countries.

The Victorian Pavilion within the Australian Pavilion Hall offers you a strategic launchpad to showcase Victorian innovation to Japan's most influential importers, distributors and buyers seeking trusted, quality food and beverage suppliers.

In addition to direct buyer connections, FOODEX serves as a business intelligence platform where exhibitors can understand the latest food and beverage consumer trends, identify behaviour shifts and market gaps, and forge long lasting trading partnerships.

Additional Seoul Trade Mission

In 2026, Global Victoria and Austrade will continue its successful Seoul Trade Mission program from 4–5 March alongside FOODEX Japan.

This optional two-day market visit will add value to your travel to FOODEX, including:

  • an in-market briefing
  • retail tour in and around the Seoul Central Business District
  • a business matching program
  • product showcase
  • networking event

Participation is limited and subject to eligibility.

As Korea's food and beverage market continues to show strong demand for premium, high-quality products, delegates will have the opportunity to gain valuable market knowledge and raise company and product brand awareness with local buyers and distributors.

What's included?

Global Victoria covers the following costs during the trade mission program between 4 to 13 March.

FOODEX Japan Food and Beverage Trade Mission

  • Pre-departure market briefings
  • 1:1 consultation with our trade mission leads to discuss your export goals and explore potential business connections
  • A dedicated exhibitor booth to showcase your brand and products on the Global Victoria pavilion at the FOODEX Japan exhibition
  • Trade show passes for a maximum of two company representatives
  • Printed and digital promotion in Global Victoria’s Exhibitor Directory
  • Networking events and functions hosted and/or co-sponsored by Global Victoria

Austrade and Global Victoria Seoul Trade Mission Inclusions

  • Event management and coordination, including business matching opportunities with Austrade
  • Market familiarisation briefing
  • Seoul retail tour
  • Exhibitor networking event hosted and/or co-sponsored by Global Victoria
  • Display and meeting space at the Seoul Product Showcase

In your application, tell us about:

  • Market-specific justification: Explain why you’ve chosen Japan/South Korea as a focus for export right now. Reference key factors such as market demand, consumer or cultural alignment with your product, policies or market access opportunities, or consumer shifts that make it an opportune time to enter.
  • Export readiness: Outline your organisation's capabilities, dedicated resources and experience that position you to succeed in this market. This could include past export experience, international certifications, supply chain capacity and ability to scale.
  • Strategic timing: Describe how participation in this mission aligns with your broader export strategy or growth timeline. For example, it may coincide with a product launch, regional expansion phase, or follow-up from earlier trade engagement activities in the market.
  • Active opportunities: Highlight how this trade mission could help you convert any active opportunities into tangible partnership or sales outcomes. For example, detail any warm leads, discussions or market intelligence you already have.

Focus on demonstrating your export preparedness and strategic thinking rather than general company capabilities.

What's not included?

It is the participants' responsibility to manage and fund the following:

  • Visas
  • Airfares
  • Accommodation
  • Travel insurance
  • Meals outside the program events and functions that are not hosted and/or co-supported by the Victorian Government
  • Ground transport/s ie taxi, ride-share, train etc
  • Freight – shipment and storing of product samples

Our terms and conditions

Familiarise yourself with Global Victoria's terms and conditions for participation in this trade mission program.

Contact us

For more information about this trade mission, connect with Mia Beauchamp –Global Victoria's Trade Advisor, Food and Fibre Exports.