Trade Minister Mark Vaile has highlighted the benefits to Japan of continued liberalisation in its market for agricultural products during a tour of a major supermarket in Tokyo on the first day of his official three-day visit to Japan.

Viewing an in-store promotion of Australian beef and other products, including Tasmanian Fuji apples, at the Jusco store in Chiba, Tokyo, Mr Vaile said the supermarket, with its lower prices and abundance of produce, was a clear demonstration of the benefits of trade.

"Since 1991 when Australian trade negotiators helped open the Japanese beef market, the price of beef in Japan has fallen by around 20 per cent.  At the same time, the volume of Australian beef exports has nearly doubled to 326,000 tonnes valued at $A1.5 billion in 1999-2000," Mr Vaile said.

"What better example could you find to highlight the benefits of free trade.  Japanese consumers have clearly benefited from being able to select the best product at the most competitive price, and more often than not, the beef comes from Australia."

Mr Vaile also praised the impressive export performance of the Australian beef industry.

"The Australian meat export industry has maintained an ongoing commitment to safety, quality and service to its Japanese customers, while at the same time developing a consumer awareness of the healthy qualities of 'Aussie Beef'," Mr Vaile said.

"The marketing of 'Aussie Beef' has been sensational.  It is one of the most recognisable food brands among Japanese consumers."

Mr Vaile used the opportunity of visiting Jusco to observe first-hand the dramatic changes taking place in the Japanese food retail sector. 

Mr Vaile also acknowledged the success of the Tasmanian apple industry in exporting top quality Fuji apples to Japan over the past two years.  He said 45 containers of Tasmanian Fuji apples were destined for export to Japan this season, a market that was only opened to Tasmania after lengthy quarantine negotiations between Australia and Japan.

Other Australian produce at Jusco included wine, seafood, fruit juice, and the popular Two Dogs alcoholic beverage.

Contact:  James Baker    Tel:   (Japan)  090-8436-1019