(Photo from left to right: Sandeep Khurana, Sanjay Bhartia, Yemee Fernandes, Olga Kostic and Simon Venus).

Throughout April, the Australia India Chamber of Commerce ran the 'How India - Exporting Food to India' four-city tour of Australia. Presented in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide by Yemee Fernandes of Four Pillars Training and  Simon Venus, Partner at Piper Alderman, the workshops helped uncover some of the biggest concerns held by Australian food manufacturers and exporters.

How do I choose a partner?

One of the most common questions was simply, "how do I find a business partner in India?" The advice was matter-of-fact; be discerning in selecting partners and to leverage resources such as the AICC's National Interest Groups for guidance. Getting a direct reference is gold, since personal reputations are key to long lasting relationships. Conversations with attendees of the tour also highlight helpful case studies, of both good and bad experiences, that further shed light on the challenges of doing business in India.

What are the unknown unknowns?

Intellectual property and trademark protection emerged as other pressing concerns, prompting discussions on safeguarding rights through expert counsel, such as that offered by Piper Alderman. Similarly, the intricacies of food labelling and compliance with the Food Safety Standards Authority of India regulations underscored the necessity of robust guidance and regulatory understanding. Attendees also sought insights into supply chain intricacies, including cold chain logistics—a vital component in the perishable goods sector. These inquiries shed light on potential future discussion topics, emphasising the tour's role not merely as an informational session but as a catalyst for ongoing dialogue and support.

Piper Alderman's engagement with India spans over 15 years, intensifying notably after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Australia in 2014. Annually, Piper Alderman interfaces with approximately 20-30 clients, guiding them not only in agribusiness but also in various other domains crucial for navigating the Indian market, such as corporate law, commercial disputes, and property matters.

Four Pillars Trading, led by Yemee Fernandes, facilitates premium Australian food and beverage brands' entry into India, tapping into its 40 million high-net-worth consumers. Leveraging extensive market expertise and strategic logistics partnerships, we offer an end-to-end export service, navigating the complexities of one of the world's burgeoning economic hubs.

In conclusion, the 'How India - Exporting Food to India' tour exemplified the power of partnership and knowledge exchange in fostering mutually beneficial trade relations. As Australian businesses chart their course into the Indian market, they do so armed with valuable insights and a network of support, ensuring they are well-equipped to seize the opportunities that lie ahead.