Tasmanian produce is being showcased to more than 800 delegates from Australia and New Zealand at a trade show in Melbourne this week.

 

The Minister for Economic Development, David O'Byrne, last night attended the PMA Fresh Connections Australia and New Zealand Conference and Trade Show, which gives insight into new products, services and technologies in the fresh fruit, vegetable and floral industry.

 

"Fresh fruit and vegetables are increasingly important to the Tasmanian agriculture sector, and Australia is a growing market," Mr O'Byrne said.

 

"Interstate consumers are finding out that buying Tasmanian means buying tasty, fresh and high-quality products.

 

"It's great to see businesses working together to maximise the opportunities available.

 

"The Tasmanian Government's Economic Development Plan is all about playing to our natural strengths, to help create new markets and jobs.

 

"High quality produce is one of those strengths, and the plan identifies primary production as a key priority industry for Tasmania's economic future," he said.

 

The Tasmanian Fresh Vegetable Marketing Group is one of 80 exhibitors at the event, and is building on the Vegetable Industry Marketing Committee's work to promote Tasmanian vegetables to interstate markets.

 

The group includes representatives from Moore's Farm Fresh Vegetables Pty Ltd, Charlton Farm Produce Pty Ltd, Premium Fresh and Harvest Moon, and is a subcommittee of the Tasmanian Agricultural Productivity Group.

 

Mr O'Byrne said the recently launched Taste Tasmania campaign complements the Tasmanian Fresh Vegetable Marketing Group's efforts at the two-day trade show.

 

"Taste Tasmania is designed to put Tasmanian products front-and-centre in participating stores," Mr O'Byrne said.

 

"It raises their profile and makes it easy for Tasmanians to buy locally produced food and beverages.

 

"Trade shows like this are crucial to showcasing Tasmania's high-quality food and beverage," he said.

 

Since it was launched in May, 60 IGA stores have signed-up to the Taste Tasmania campaign.

 

Tasmania's My Kitchen Rules cooking show semi-finalists Megan and Andy Appleby have conducted in-store cooking demonstrations at selected IGA supermarkets throughout the state.

 

A Facebook page has been set up for supporters of Taste Tasmania and for those who want more information on the campaign.

 

For more information on the Taste Tasmania campaign, contact Angela Cranwell at the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and the Arts on 6233 5813 or at Angela.Cranwell@development.tas.gov.au