Western Australia’s food and beverage products could have a dedicated aisle in a chain of Hong Kong supermarkets after successful talks on the initiative.

Returning from a trade visit to Hong Kong and Japan to strengthen ties, Agriculture and Food Minister Ken Baston said he met with Hong Kong chain 759 Store, which sold groceries in 247 stores.

The meeting forms part of a broader approach by the Government to target Hong Kong -regarded as a gateway market to China – for Western Australian premium food and beverage products.

“My meeting with 759 Store director Ida Tang confirmed that the 759 retail concept, with its social media marketing focus and 247 stores, will result in the opportunity for greater sales for Western Australian produce,” Mr Baston said.

“Hong Kong is a high-value and vibrant market for Western Australian products – it’s just the kind of market we want to support our premium food producers to strive towards.

“There is particular potential for growth in exports by small to medium-sized Western Australian enterprises of premium food and beverages to Hong Kong.”

Western Australian producers, featuring at one of Asia’s largest food, beverage and hospitality trade exhibitions in Asia this week – Hong Kong’s leading trade show HOFEX – will also meet with 759 Store about featuring Western Australian products in-store.

“The Department of Agriculture and Food will lead a contingent of 22 companies with produce ranging from wine, honey and seafood to baked goods and bush foods,” Mr Baston said.

The Minister also visited Japan, where he met with Yoshimasa Hayashi, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, to discuss increased trade opportunities with WA.