GRAIN industry bodies are eyeing the potential of a bourgeoning Asian 'opportunity'.
Growing the volume and value of Australian wheat exports to Taiwan was the focus of a seminar held in Taipei last week by the Australian Export Grains Innovation Centre (AEGIC) and Austrade.
More than 50 Taiwanese buyers, millers and processors were given an overview of the Australian export wheat Industry, with a focus on production and end-use as well as a snapshot of 2014-15 wheat quality.
Behind the United States, Australia is the second largest supplier of wheat to Taiwan, making up 18 per cent of their total annual imports of 1.3 million tonnes. In 2014 Australia exported 232,000/t to Taiwan.
The country's population of more than 23 million consumes around 56 kilograms of wheat flour per capita annually. There are 21 flour mills in the country.
AEGIC's wheat quality markets manager Dr Larisa Cato said there had been an increase in the popularity of European-style breads and bakery products in Taiwan.
"We know Taiwan's wheat-based food market is dynamic - there are shifting requirements for end-products which is increasing demand for wheat in the country," Dr Cato said.
"Taiwan is a large producer and consumer of a wide range of noodles which are ideally suited to Australian wheat varieties."
Dr Cato was joined by Australian Grain Technologies chief executive Dr Steve Jefferies who provided an overview of Australia's wheat breeding programs and spoke about new varieties suitable for Taiwanese end-uses.
All seminar attendees were given a copy of the recently released Australian Wheat Quality Report, a joint initiative between AEGIC and GrainGrowers.