Fair provides food for thought

DANDENONG manufacturer Traditional Foods wants international markets to have its cakes and eat them, too.
The baked goods manufacturer was one of hundreds of exhibitors at the nation’s biggest food trade fair, Fine Food Australia, at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre last week.
Traditional Foods bakes and steams a variety of cakes and puddings using different tropical fruit combinations and liqueurs.
Michael Farr, managing director of Traditional Foods, said in addition to manufacturing its own brand, Traditional Foods produces ‘house brands’ for major retailers in Australia.
The exhibit allowed Traditional Foods to promote its product to export markets.
Mr Farr said exports were now an important part of the company’s trade activity.
“Our products appeal to our clients in countries such as Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Fiji, and Mauritius and the USA,” he said.
“We have spent lots of time and energy on making sure our packaging is up to international standards, showing we are prepared to adapt the product to suit an international buyer.
“This is especially important to markets like the US and Thailand, who have strict legal requirements.”
Mr Farr said Traditional Foods was now looking to export its products into more countries.
“Canada is of great interest to us and we’d also like to enter the Japanese market as they have a fondness for liqueur cakes and like Australian products,” he said.
The Fine Food Australia exhibit ran from 11 to 14 September and attracted about 2000 local and international buyers.