Australian export case study
 A Queensland regional business is making steady progress exporting to Asian markets, made possible by a combination of perseverance and a good online web presence.
Childers-based Ausyfish, 320km north of Brisbane, is a specialist fish hatchery producing larvae and fingerlings of jade perch, silver perch, golden perch, barramundi and sleepy cod as well as exotic aquarium fish.
Ausyfish was established in 1988 and now has 127 farm ponds, a hatchery and a hothouse.
Owner Bruce Sambell said the business began exporting four years ago into Asia where Australian fresh fish are promoted in restaurants as a delicacy and for their nutritional value.
"The logistics of shipping live fish are quite challenging," Mr Sambell said.
"But if you stick at it, it becomes routine. The export side of our business is growing quite nicely now.
"When I filled out the paperwork for our first export shipment four years ago, it took me just about the whole day – now it takes about half-an-hour.
"But without a doubt the export business could not have happened without our website. The internet is absolutely the key."
Mr Sambell said the business currently ships fish larvae to destinations including China, Taiwan and Hong Kong with negotiations currently underway in Malaysia and Vietnam.
Austrade’s business-matching services were helpful, as Taiwan-based business development manager, Janice Lee, placed Ausyfish in direct contact with a committed overseas buyer.
Further information
In addition to business-matching, Austrade offers a range of services to help start or expand export business:
Alternatively, visit the homepage at www.austrade.gov.au or call Austrade Direct on 13 28 78.
Company information:
Bruce Sambell
General Manager
Ausyfish Pty Ltd
PO Box 324
Childers QLD 4660
Tel: +61 7 4126 2226
Fax: +61 7 4126 2221
Email: enquiries@ausyfish.com
Website: www.ausyfish.com
August 2006
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