Brand Riverina Export Roundtable in Griffith
On 17 March, the Export Council of Australia successfully hosted the Brand Riverina Export Roundtable in Griffith, bringing together exporters, industry leaders, and government representatives to explore the evolving export landscape in regional New South Wales.
The discussion highlighted both the opportunities and challenges facing businesses across the Riverina. A key theme was the importance of regional identity and provenance, with strong agreement that a unified and well-articulated brand is essential to elevate the region’s global competitiveness across sectors, including food, beverage, agriculture, and advanced manufacturing.
From an industry perspective, exporters shared a number of real-world challenges, including:
• Increasing cost pressures across shipping, energy, and labour
• Ongoing market access and regulatory complexities
• The need for skilled workforce development
• Infrastructure limitations impacting supply chain efficiency
At the same time, the conversation reinforced clear strategic priorities for export growth, including:
• Diversification of markets supported by Free Trade Agreements
• Greater investment in innovation and value-added production
• Stronger storytelling and branding to differentiate regional products globally
• Proactive planning and partnerships to navigate global volatility
The roundtable also reinforced the value of community engagement and collaboration, with a shared commitment to strengthening the Riverina’s export capability through ongoing dialogue, advocacy, and practical support.
A special thank you to:
Robert Lansdown – TradeStart Adviser | Export, Investment NSW
Mayor Doug Curran, Griffith City Council
Scott Grant, General Manager, Griffith City Council
Shireen Donaldson, Director of Economic and Organisational Development, Griffith City Council
for your strong support and ongoing commitment to the Griffith and Riverina trade community.
Finally, a sincere thank you to all attendees for your valuable insights and contributions. The Export Council of Australia looks forward to continuing these important conversations and supporting exporters across NSW as they grow and take Australia to the world.