Shepparton businesses SPC and Kalafatis Fresh Produce hosted an international delegation recently, aiming to build international trade partnerships.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
Shepparton rolled out the welcome mat for the world last week, hosting a delegation of around 50 international buyers to the Goulburn Valley as part of Global Victoria's Horticulture Inbound Trade Mission.
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The five-day program, running from May 18 to 22, brought buyers from China, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam and India to regional Victoria for site visits, business matching and networking.
The program works to turn such introductions into lasting international trade partnerships.
In Shepparton, the delegation visited two well-known local operations, SPC’s manufacturing facility and Kalafatis Fresh Produce, getting an on-the-ground look at how the region grows, processes and exports food.
For SPC Global, the visit was a chance to show what a century of Goulburn Valley history looks like in practice.
SPC has a long history in the Goulburn Valley, going back more than 100 years. Pictured is SPC manufacturing manager Ken Birkett in 1991.
Photo by
Jamie Salter
Founded in 1917 as a growers’ co-operative, the company has deep roots in the region and remains one of Australia’s leading food manufacturers.
It’s now in the middle of a significant transformation, with ambitions to grow its international footprint considerably over the next three to five years.
“SPC was founded by growers more than 100 years ago, and supporting Australian producers remains central to who we are,” managing director Robert Iervasi said.
“As we continue transforming into a truly global food and beverage business, we are focused on creating long-term value for our growers, customers, communities and shareholders."
SPC Global chief supply chain officer Moataz Ahmad and chief executive officer of international Nick Dimopoulos.
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Contributed
Nick Dimopoulos, CEO International at SPC Global, said programs like this one were exactly the kind of opportunity the business is looking for.
“Strengthening relationships with global customers and trade partners will be critical to our growth strategy,” he said.
“This creates valuable opportunities to connect directly with international buyers and demonstrate the quality, scale and reliability of Australian food manufacturing and horticulture on the world stage.”
The trade mission was delivered by Global Victoria in partnership with a range of industry bodies including Apple and Pear Australia, the Australian Table Grape Association, Citrus Australia and Cherry Growers Australia, with support from Greater Shepparton City Council.
