International students helping Australian exporters succeed in China

17 December 2018

A leading producer and exporter of premium quality macadamia products has tapped into the knowledge of local international students to capitalise on its marketing effort in China.

Witnessing a growth in Chinese desires for macadamia based products, Byron Bay company Brookfarm enlisted a trio of young Chinese international students for work experience so they could offer insights into what Chinese middle-class consumers eat for
breakfast.

Visiting the Brookfarm bakehouse today, Minister for Trade and Industry Niall Blair said it is fantastic to see mutually beneficial outcomes for both international students and local businesses.

“Not only have the students had an opportunity to gain work experience and improve their understanding of an Australian workplace, our local businesses have also achieved very positive outcomes.

“Having recently visited China, it’s clear that Chinese consumers highly value our clean, green NSW produce and it’s fantastic to see a very successful exporter like Brookfarm doing everything it can to make the most of this opportunity.”

Brookfarm Head of Marketing Clinton Bown said the company has enjoyed significant growth in exports over the past few years, with the Chinese market alone accounting for at least 20 per cent of its sales.

“Accessing business students through the Southern Cross University’s Volunteer Connect, particularly those with an understanding of the markets throughout Asia, has really assisted us in better understanding our key Chinese demographic.”

The students spent a total of 15 hours with Brookfarm’s sales and marketing team, sharing their insights on a range of breakfast products and helping to develop a Chinese-language product information website.

One of the students, Qunyao (Ann) Liu, met with Mr Blair during his visit and said she was thrilled to have worked alongside the Brookfarm team.

“As an overseas student, most of my understanding of Australia has come from my university life. This program gives me more understanding about Australia’s companies and economy.”

Supported by Study NSW’s Partner Projects, Southern Cross University’s Volunteer Connect program is open to first year international students and is designed to assist to students in understanding Australian work place culture.

MEDIA: Evie Madden | Minister Blair | 0409 682 163