Celebrating 70 years of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and Australia, “Taste the Wonders of Australia” brought together five of the country’s key food and wine industries in Kuala Lumpur, showcasing the premium quality, innovation, and collaborative spirit behind Australia’s growing presence in Malaysia’s dining and retail sectors.

Australia’s world-renowned produce took centre stage in Kuala Lumpur recently, as the Taste the Wonders of Australia event united the country’s top agricultural and food sectors in a vibrant celebration of taste, trade, and trust. The showcase marked a milestone collaboration between Hort Innovation Australia, Dairy Australia, Meat & Livestock Australia, Seafood Industry Australia, and Wine Australia — five major pillars of the nation’s food and beverage excellence.

The well-executed, multi-day event was designed to strengthen bilateral ties with Malaysia, now Australia’s 11th-largest trading partner for agricultural exports, worth AUD1.8 billion in 2024–25. This year’s edition coincided with the 70th anniversary of Malaysia–Australia diplomatic relations, underlining the enduring partnership between the two nations.

The Kuala Lumpur event went well beyond press conferences, featuring engaging Q&A sessions, interactive tastings, live demonstrations, and educational workshops led by industry specialists and chefs, including themed sessions such as Understanding Australian Dairy, Aussie Beef and Lamb: Latest Trends and Insights, and Classic and Contemporary Australian Wine. Together, they offered participants a comprehensive look at the country’s sustainable, high-quality food systems.

A UNITED APPROACH TO TRADE AND TRUST

Hort Innovation Australia’s Dr Mila Bristow said the event reflects a shift in how Australian industries approach international engagement. “The advantage of the Australian Food and Wine Collaboration Group is that we present as one united front,” she explained. “Buyers and partners can meet with representatives across every major food category — from fruit and dairy to seafood and wine — all at once. It creates a platform of transparency, collaboration, and shared value.”

Dr Bristow added that the initiative is focused on long-term partnerships rather than short-term sales. “By prioritising collaboration and shared outcomes, we’re strengthening the foundation for sustained trade relationships,” she said.

Over the past three years, the group has hosted activations across Asia, including Thailand, South Korea, Vietnam, Indonesia, Taiwan, and Japan, engaging more than 1,200 trade and government representatives in the process.

WHY MALAYSIA MATTERS

Malaysia’s fast-growing middle class, appreciation for quality food, and solid demand for imported products make it a key growth market for Australian producers.

“Malaysia is one of Australia’s most important trade partners for red meat,” said Meat & Livestock Australia’s Southeast Asia Regional Manager, Valeska. “With Malaysians consuming the highest per capita beef and lamb in the region, our goal is to deepen trade relationships and expand awareness of our halal-certified products.”

Seafood Industry Australia’s CEO, Veronica Papacosta, added that Malaysia is a rapidly growing destination for premium exports like rock lobster, salmon, and sea cucumber. “We’re seeing real potential in e-commerce and livestream platforms, which are helping us connect with Malaysia’s tech-savvy and affluent consumers,” she said.

DAIRY, WINE, AND HORTICULTURE OPPORTUNITIES

For Dairy Australia, the relationship with Malaysia spans over six decades. “Our dairy trade goes back to the 1960s, and we’re proud that our scholarship programme — which includes Malaysian dairy companies — will celebrate its 10th anniversary next year,” said Catherine Taylor, Senior Manager for Sustainable International Trade.

Wine Australia’s General Manager for Market Development, Paul Turale, noted that Malaysia now ranks as the country’s 10th-largest wine export market by value, importing 2.7 million litres of wine worth AUD42.4 million in the 12 months ending June 2025. “We aim to build on Malaysia’s growing affinity for Australian wine and support a sustainable, prosperous market for our exporters,” he said.

Dr Bristow also highlighted Malaysia’s importance as Australia’s 13th-largest horticultural export market by value. “From avocados and citrus to cherries and almonds, our products are already well-represented in premium Malaysian supermarkets. With strong bilateral ties and a reputation for food safety, we see room for continued growth,” she said.

CELEBRATING QUALITY, CULTURE, AND CONNECTION

Beyond trade figures, Taste the Wonders of Australia was a cultural showcase of what connects the two nations — a shared appreciation for quality, authenticity, and sustainability. Guests sampled Australian produce across multiple categories, discovering how each complements Malaysia’s diverse culinary traditions.

As Dr Bristow summed up, “It’s about creating mutual understanding and showing why Australia grows the food and wine that it does. Events like this are our way of saying thank you to the market — and an invitation to continue growing together.”