A Tasmanian meat business has locked in a four-tonne lamb export deal with Singapore after joining a trade mission to Southeast Asia.
Tas Quality Meats secured the deal directly through contacts made at Food and Hospitality Asia 2026, one of the biggest trade expos in the region, which attracts more than 80,000 visitors over several days.
Tasmanian Minister for Small Business, Trade and Consumer Affairs Guy Barnett said around 20 businesses and more than 30 delegates from across the state attended the mission to Singapore and Indonesia.
He said the company had previously relied on overseas Australian traders and brokering companies but found through the mission that face-to-face meetings were far more effective.
Matt Lang, managing director of Tas Quality Meats, said the deal came together fast.
“It happened all pretty quickly. We haven’t even followed up all the leads from the show yet,” Lang said.
He said the buyer wanted a trial order on the water as soon as possible and the product was already being loaded out from the business.
“If this could lead to weekly or monthly orders, I think it’s gonna be great,” he said.
Lang described the mission as a game-changer for breaking into new markets, particularly given global uncertainty linked to overseas conflicts.
“Being on the ground like this is critical, it helps grow a market presence, build new client relationships, and sustain long-term partnerships,” he said.
Beyond the trade expo, the government said the mission also prioritised fuel security and fertiliser supply.
Barnett met with Singapore’s energy and trade minister and held talks with Viva and United, Tasmania’s two main fuel suppliers, saying the discussions gave increased confidence for supply through to the first week of July.
On fertiliser, Barnett said meetings with Indonesian manufacturer Pupuk and Incitec Pivot provided reassurance for Tasmanian farmers heading into the growing season through to October.
Katie Cooper, CEO of Launceston Airport, said the airport was proud to play a role as a connector between Tasmanian producers and global markets.
She said a recent $5 million investment in a new taxiway had enabled larger freight aircraft to operate from the airport, helping exporters get their products to the world.
