South Australian dairy exports have enjoyed a growth phase over the past 12 months, according to figures released by the state government.
Dairy exports have grown by 23 per cent year-on-year, and are now valued at more than $150 million per year.
The most recent trade data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows South Australia exported 31.3 million kilograms of dairy products in the year-to-date, with all subcategories recording growth in volume and value.
The cheese sector has enjoyed the largest growth, up by 40 per cent to $71 million, followed by the ‘other’ dairy category with 39 per cent.
By country, $20.8 million worth of cheese was sold to the Philippines (up 18.4 per cent), $15.9 million to China (up 93.2 per cent) and $13.3 million to Thailand (up 6.8 per cent).
In the milk category, $23.4 million was exported to Thailand (up 160.5 per cent), $22.7 million to Indonesia, and $8.8 million to China.
More than 500 South Australian businesses have been supported over the past 12 months to grow their exports by TradeStart, a program co-funded by the federal and South Australian governments.
The Yoghurt Shop in Adelaide is one of many dairy companies that has seen significant export growth since engaging with TradeStart, entering three new countries in the past six months.
From humble beginnings running a single stall in the Adelaide Central Market, The Yoghurt Shop has grown significantly, now exporting to nine countries across more than 5000 retailers.
South Australia Trade and Investment Minister Joe Szakacs said South Australia was known globally for its premium produce, and the government was ready to support any local producer looking to expand into overseas markets.
Woodside Cheese Wrights is a South Australian company exporting cheese products to the United States.
Chief executive officer Kris Lloyd said the company was using native Australian ingredients supported by the excellence of local biosecurity, identifying the source at every level.
“Our recent contracts with Wholefoods Markets and Costco in the US are a testament to the appeal of our products in these highly contested markets,” Kris said.
“We look forward to continuing our work with TradeStart to enable our continued growth and successful export journey.”