Excitement levels were high in June and July as Chinese suppliers from Chongqing and 163 Visa Entrepreneurs visited MNFG partners at their places of business. Partners were pleased with the opportunity to gain exposure to exporting opportunities in China.
Following the Melbourne’s North Food & Beverage Expo in late June, delegates from Chongqing and Beijing and 163 Visa Entrepreneurs toured Melbourne’s northern region in search of China’s next favourite Aussie product. The ambition of this tour, from a MNFG perspective, was to foster meaningful relationships between MNFG partners and suppliers to China.
163 Visa Entrepreneurs are a burgeoning group of Chinese suppliers who source and sell product both domestically and internationally. MNFG has a strong relationship with La Trobe University, and connections were made with the 163s through the university’s Confucius Institute. Following the Chongqing delegation’s departure, 163 Visa Entrepreneurs continued to tour through Melbourne’s north and experience the region’s food, beverage and fibre industry.
Mitchell Shire set the landscape for the tour’s final two days. Forty people, including 163 Visa Entrepreneurs and MNFG partners, attended a briefing at the Broadford Hotel. MNFG General Manager Margaret McLelland spoke to the group on MNFG’s direction into the future, and the benefits this will bring to partners. The tour was highlighted as an example of the many opportunities businesses can expect as an MNFG partner.
Following the briefing, the group continued its tour around the Mitchell Shire region. Some stops included MNFG partners Wine x Sam and Shearasun Brewery Co. Our foreign supplier friends had the opportunity to sample delectable wines and refreshing beers, while taking in the beautiful country surrounds.
All partners involved on the tour welcomed 163 Visa Entrepreneurs into their businesses. Feedback from visitors highlighted the quality of products displayed to them by MNFG partners and the welcoming community environments into which they were greeted.