An Indian Food and Agriculture Business Delegation has concluded a five-day visit to Australia, strengthening trade connections between Indian exporters and Australian businesses through buyer-seller meetings, industry engagement and market visits across Sydney and Melbourne.
Organised by the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO), the delegation concluded its program on 9 October 2026. The initiative brought together Indian exporters, Australian businesses, diplomatic representatives and industry leaders to explore new commercial opportunities and develop long-term trade relationships.
The delegation was coordinated by Prashant Seth, Joint Deputy Director General and CEO of FIEO, and Mohit Hans, Deputy Director of FIEO. Buyer-seller meetings were held at PARKROYAL Darling Harbour in Sydney on 6 October and Pan Pacific Melbourne on 8 October.
The program received support from the Consulates General of India in Sydney and Melbourne and the Australia India Business Council (AIBC). Its focus was to strengthen direct trade relationships, develop distribution partnerships and improve market access for Indian food and agricultural products in Australia.
Sydney Engagement Connects Exporters with Australian Buyers
The Sydney program brought together representatives from government, business and the food industry to discuss trade opportunities and market development.
Participants included Dr S. Janakiraman, Consul General of India; Deepak Raj Gupta, National Chair of the AIBC; Divya Skene of the Centre for Australia-India Relations; Uvaraja Hariramakrishnan, CEO of Sabrini Foods; Tarang Koppal, Director of ALS Global; Ravi Kumar Mandalika, AIBC NSW President; and Carolyn Macgill, Executive Officer of the Food and Beverage Importers Association.
The delegation also visited Udaya Supermart, Indya Foods and Grosco to gain practical insights into Australian food retail operations, distribution networks and the requirements of the local market.
These visits provided Indian exporters with opportunities to better understand the Australian retail environment and explore potential pathways for bringing their products to Australian consumers.
Melbourne Program Highlights Distribution and Supply Chains
The delegation continued its engagements in Melbourne, where representatives from government, business and industry discussed opportunities to strengthen commercial cooperation.
The program featured Shri Tej Krishan, Head of Chancery and Consul at the Consulate General of India in Melbourne; Lee Tarlamis MP, representing Victoria’s Minister for Trade; Louise Perry, Interim Multicultural Coordinator General; Agostino Giramondo of the Committee for Melbourne; and Dhara Shah, AIBC Victoria President.
Industry speakers included Murali K. Metlapalli, CEO of Indya Foods; Tarang Koppal, Director of ALS Global; and David Burns, Founder of DJB Food Group Australia.
The delegation visited ALS Laboratory, Sabrini Foods and Grace Grocery in Victoria. These visits offered insights into food testing, supply chains, distribution operations and retail opportunities, helping participants understand the practical considerations involved in establishing or expanding business relationships in Australia.
Diverse Range of Indian Food and Agricultural Products
The participating Indian exporters represented a broad range of sectors, including rice, spices, pulses, grains, beverages, confectionery, honey, packaged foods, coconut products and sustainable packaging.
The diversity of products highlighted the potential for cooperation across multiple segments of the food and agriculture industry. By bringing exporters into direct contact with Australian buyers and industry representatives, the program aimed to facilitate discussions around sourcing, distribution and future commercial partnerships.
VC Next Gen Pty Ltd (VCN), led by Manjit Ginny Singh, served as the Australian organising partner. The organisation coordinated industry engagement, business connections and on-the-ground arrangements across Sydney and Melbourne.
Singh said the initiative focused on creating meaningful connections between Indian exporters and Australian industry, extending beyond formal meetings to practical market engagement and long-term business relationships.
Strengthening Australia-India Economic Cooperation
The delegation reinforced opportunities for bilateral trade under the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA), highlighting the importance of direct business engagement in strengthening economic ties between the two countries.
Through buyer-seller meetings, company visits and discussions with industry stakeholders, the program created opportunities for participants to identify potential business partners and continue commercial conversations beyond the delegation’s visit.
The initiative also demonstrated the value of collaboration between trade organisations, diplomatic representatives and business councils in helping companies navigate new markets.
As Australia and India continue to explore opportunities for closer economic cooperation, initiatives connecting exporters with buyers and distributors can help build stronger commercial relationships and support long-term growth across the food and agriculture sectors.
