Tasmanian producers of fresh produce are set to benefit from a new trade bridge between Hobart and Ningbo, China.
Van Milk (sister company of Moon Lake Investments, owner of the former Van Diemen’s Land Company assets in Tasmania) today announced its intention to underwrite weekly freight flights to get its new milk product to market.
The new VAN Milk brand, also launched today, will initially be distributed as a premium-priced fresh product to Ningbo and Beijing.
The flights will also carry other high quality perishable Tasmania food and create an extraordinary opportunity for Tasmanian premium exporters into China.
VAN can become a key trade bridge partner for other Tasmanian exporters, taking advantage of distribution channels, warehousing, cold chain logistics and significant business introductions.
The State Government through the Coordinator General has been instrumental in developing this opportunity. The flights themselves are a commercial undertaking by Moon Lake and its partners.
In the last decade, milk production in Tasmania has grown by over 40 per cent and investment in irrigation infrastructure around the State has created opportunities to expand existing farms and start new dairy enterprises.
The company predicts the creation of new jobs in processing and exporting as well as opportunities for all Tasmanian producers of fresh, perishable produce such as seafood, fruit and vegetables.
It will start with one weekly round trip early in the new year increasing in frequency to two-three times a week 12 months after it commences.
Discussions are still ongoing about direct passenger air links to Tasmania.