A group of leading chefs, restaurateurs and butchers from Japan have landed in Victoria in search of new opportunities to import Victoria’s quality lamb produce.
The delegation has been invited as part of the ‘Lambassador Program’, an initiative funded by the Andrews Labor Government and Meat Livestock Australia, to boost Japanese interest towards importing Victoria’s top quality lamb.
The program focuses on the food service sector, and will showcase how Victorian lamb can be utilised to suit the Japanese palate and satisfy increasing consumer demand at high-end Japanese restaurants.
Over the next week, the delegation will be guided on a tour of Victoria’s prime lamb industry where they will have the opportunity to meet with lamb producers, processors and food service representatives to improve their knowledge and understanding of Victoria’s lamb industry, in a bid to increase lamb exports to Japan.
Minister for Agriculture, Jaala Pulford, will tonight welcome Japanese ‘Lambassador’ delegates and representatives from Meat and Livestock Australia with a Victorian lamb themed dinner.
Japan is a significant export market for Victorian lamb, with sheep meat exports in 2013-14 valued at $25 million.
Victoria is the leading state in Australia for the production and export of premium quality, safe lamb products, contributing over 40% to national production.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture, Jaala Pulford
“The ‘Lambassador Program’ is another example of the Andrews Labor Government’s support for inbound trade missions, showcasing our high quality, safe and reliable produce to international markets.”
“Tokyo has more Michelin Star restaurants than any other city in the world, and Victorian lamb is perfectly suited to feature on the menu of high-end restaurants.”
“We will support and maximise trade opportunities and commercial partnerships, including for Victorian lamb producers exporting to Japan, to drive growth and jobs.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020