Tipped to reach US$80 billion by 2005, the burgeoning organic food markets of the world hold potential for Australian exporters who can satisfy specific market requirements.

According to a series of reports prepared for the Department of Primary Industries, (DPI) specific opportunities for organic livestock exports include organic cheese, yoghurt, dairy desserts, baby foods, beef and lamb primal cuts and processed smallgoods.

The DPI reports cover consumer trends, product packaging, market segments, price premiums, export opportunities and industry challenges for key export markets such as Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, the UK, Germany and the Netherlands.

Organic market sectors worthy of consideration in the UK, Netherlands and Germany include organic varieties of well-established conventional product lines such as wine and meat, and raw and semi-processed ingredients for baby foods and processed meat products. The Netherlands may also offer potential for bulk cheese and high-quality beef.

Markets closer to home are also witnessing an explosion of organic interest. Singapore’s growing organic market offers trade opportunities for fresh fruit and vegetables, including mushrooms, and for milk and value-added dairy products such as yoghurt in convenience food outlets.

The Hong Kong market for organic produce is relatively underdeveloped, but there is some demand for organic beef. Organic chicken products have recently been introduced into supermarkets and are also expected to do well.

Consumers around the world are buying more organic produce, prompted partly by recent food scares such as foot and mouth disease and BSE, and by concern for personal health and the environment. Although many countries are increasing organic production to meet this demand, often with government support, there is still room for imports to supply specific market sectors.

For more information on world markets for organic livestock products, contact Tim Ada on 03 9637 8628 or at tim.ada@nre.vic.gov.au