2025 Australia Dairy Seminar Concludes Successfully: Buyers Decode New Opportunities in Premium Dairy
Invited by Dairy Australia, the Guangdong Imported Food Association (IFA) organized multiple purchasing enterprises and institutions to participate in the China–Australia Dairy Sustainability Seminar held in Guangzhou on May 25, 2025. The seminar focused on the tariff‑free benefits for dairy products under the China–Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA) and the first showcase of the Australian Good Dairy Awards (AGDA) champion product lineup. It attracted over 50 decision‑makers from importers, supermarkets, and foodservice channels across South China. Through policy interpretation, market trend analysis, and tasting sessions of award‑winning cheeses, participating buyers explored growth drivers for Australian dairy in the South China market.
Policy Benefits: ChAFTA Unleashes Import Advantages
Ms. Catherine Taylor, Senior Trade Manager of Dairy Australia, outlined key opportunities on site: since 2024, tariffs on cheese, cream, and yogurt have been eliminated (previously 10–15%), and infant formula will enjoy full tariff exemption from 2026. These changes give Australian dairy a significant price advantage over suppliers from the U.S. and Europe. Coupled with China’s formal application to join CPTPP and the expected expansion of Asia‑Pacific trade networks, importers now face a strategic window of opportunity.
Market Trends: Resilience of Australian Dairy Exports to China
Market data confirms strong resilience — Greater China remains Australia’s largest dairy export market, accounting for 30% of exports (A$1.1 billion in FY2023/24). Over five years, exports to China surged 42%, with cheese and infant formula leading growth. Southeast Asia has risen to become the second‑largest market with a 34% share. Notably, the spread of foot‑and‑mouth disease in Europe and the U.S. “reciprocal tariffs” policy are reshaping global dairy supply chains, creating new opportunities for South China enterprises.
图源：Dairy Australia澳大利亚乳业局
Tasting Spotlight: Debut of Australia’s National Treasure Cheeses in Guangzhou
The seminar premiered several “Oscars of Dairy” AGDA award winners:
•Berry Creek Oak Blue Cheese – 2024 Grand Champion & Blue Cheese Double Winner, featuring smoky spice and savory punch;
•Bega Vintage Cheddar – 2024 Cheddar Champion, aged 15 months to reveal nutty depth;
•Wambirra Triple Cream Brie – 2023 Australian Cheese of the Year, blending silky texture with earthy mushroom aroma.
The lively atmosphere offered buyers high‑end dairy scenario‑based solutions and direct sensory experience.
Industry Outlook: Breaking Through Supply Chain Challenges
Ms. Catherine Taylor noted that while Australian dairy production dipped slightly (-0.4% YoY as of March 2025) due to drought and cost pressures, the industry continues to deliver premium products under its Dairy Sustainability Framework, which enforces strict animal welfare and environmental standards. She urged Guangdong importers to seize the zero‑tariff window and align with the consumption upgrade trend to deepen engagement in the premium dairy segment.
图源：Dairy Australia澳大利亚乳业局
As the first provincial imported food association in China, managed by the Social Organization Administration Bureau of the Guangdong Provincial Department of Civil Affairs, the Guangdong Imported Food Association is committed to building a global network of premium supply chain resources. It provides members with a three‑in‑one service model: policy think‑tank support, precise business matching, and cross‑border trade facilitation.
The Association empowers international food companies to enter and expand in the Chinese market through brand promotion, channel development, and market access guidance, helping overseas producers land efficiently. In partnership with embassies, consulates, and trade promotion agencies worldwide, it promotes global food culture and quality products in China. For domestic importing enterprises, the Association breaks down resource barriers by offering direct sourcing links and diversified sales channel expansion, building a two‑way bridge for “bringing in and going global.”
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