June 10, 2011

Asia targets Australian wheat

Although Australian wheat is highly favoured in Asia, there are buyer concerns regarding progressive levels of screenings and foreign matter, according to the new market research supported by the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC).

Dr Ken Quail, Grain Growers Limited (GrainGrowers) general manager technical services, told growers and advisers at the recent round of GRDC Updates that buyers of Australian wheat consider its white seed coat and low moisture content to be a significant benefit.

Quail said market feedback was generally positive but also raised several concerns about Australian wheat.

"A number of customers noted that levels of screenings and foreign material in Australian wheat cargoes were increasing," he said.

"Also, most Asian customers told us that Australia does not provide adequate information on crop production or crop quality."

While North American wheat is typically preferred to Australian wheat for the production of bread, flour colour and noodle colour stability are considered important quality factors to maintain or improve for Australian wheat, he said.

Other concerns in the market were that some customers were uncertain or confused about Australian wheat grades and export standards.

"Customers considered that wheat exported in containers was less consistent and less reliable than bulk wheat shipments and wheat buyers considered that Australia provides less technical support than Canada or the US," Quail said.