Australian grain growers hopeful for big growth in Vietnam

Australian grain growers who are currently in Vietnam say that they see big opportunities for Australian wheat and barley in the region.

Australian grain growers hopeful for big growth in Vietnam
 

Ross Johns, a grain grower from the Wimmera in Victoria said that he had not been to Vietnam previously, and was surprised how well grains were represented.

"There's a real strength of demand throughout Asia, both in China and Vietnam. I'm actually shocked at the enthusiasm for western-type diets," he said.

"The discussions we have had with the buyers revealed that quality was of particular importance, and price of course was important as well."

Mr. Johns said he did not see it as a big challenge to break into the market.

"The interesting thing about the supply chain to Vietnam is that's there already significant investment with Interflour, which is a major CBH owned processor, so already there's pathways into these markets."

Mark Bennett, the head of Agribusiness with ANZ who coordinated the trip said grains should not be overlooked when it came to the food boom in Asia.

"Our focus has mostly been toward wheat and then to barley, and there's certainly interest in the trade up here, and from some growers here too about sorghum.

"The free trade agreements are certainly driving that enthusiasm."

"We're seeing a shift in Vietnam for example away from rice, and into wheat flours, breads and noodles in particular."

Khoa Le

Source: ABC