China trade mission secures vitamins jobs boost
Swisse Vitamins is set to establish its new global headquarters in Melbourne creating 140 new high-value jobs, Premier Ted Baillieu announced today.
Premier Ted Baillieu joins Swisse Vitamins CEO Radek Sali to announce Swisse Vitamins is set to establish its new global headquarters in Melbourne creating 140 new high-value jobs. Swisse was one of more than 400 organisations on the Premier’s super trade mission to China last week – the largest trade delegation ever to leave Australian shores.
Mr Baillieu said the company was seeking to capitalise on rapid growth by exporting to China, the United States and the United Kingdom.
Swisse was one of more than 400 organisations on the Premier's super trade mission to China last week – the largest trade delegation ever to leave Australian shores.
"The Victorian Coalition Government is helping companies such as Swisse to knock on new doors in China and build long-term relationships with local partners," Mr Baillieu said.
"Following the trade mission, Swisse is working with major retailers in China to develop local markets for its range of products including vitamins, supplements and wellness food and beverages.
"This includes Watsons which has around 1,000 stores and will open 2,000 more in the next five years. As a result Swisse estimates that within the next five years its exports will increase by up to $200 million a year," Mr Baillieu said.
The new headquarters in Collingwood will bring Swisse's total employment to around 300 staff and will include jobs in research and development, international marketing, innovation and corporate services.
Swisse chief executive officer Radek Sali said Swisse had substantially expanded its Australian markets through its innovative approach and strong research and development capabilities in natural health products.
"A flagship mission like this opened doors for us in the right context, with some of the key health and wellness businesses in China, that would be hard to do alone," Mr Sali said.
Mr Baillieu said last week's 650 member strong trade mission showcased Victoria's strengths, especially for China's fast growing middle class.
"Swisse is one example of a Victorian company that is benefiting from the Coalition Government's strategy to support companies expanding and growing export markets," Mr Baillieu said.
