With stringent food safety and production standards, the Australian market presents a unique challenge. However, O'Smiles' consistent orders from the US, Japan, and now Australia demonstrate its commitment to bringing the authentic taste of Vietnam to the world. In June 2024, over 600 fresh frozen O'Smiles bread crates were produced and packaged, ready for shipment in early July.

     

The Enduring Efforts of the Vietnamese Diaspora

According to the Vietnamese Embassy in Canberra, Australia is home to approximately 350,000 Vietnamese Australians, playing a significant role in promoting Vietnamese culture and cuisine. Among the many beloved Vietnamese dishes, bánh mì has become increasingly popular in both the Vietnamese community and the broader Australian population. "Bánh mì has evolved from a popular street food to a cultural ambassador. Today, when people think of bánh mì, they think of Vietnam," said Luong Thanh Nghi, Vice Chairman of the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese.

Melbourne: The Bánh Mì Capital of Australia

First-generation Vietnamese immigrants introduced bánh mì to Australia in the 1980s, and it has since become a staple in many Australians' daily breakfast. Melbourne, in particular, is considered the "bánh mì capital" of Australia, with more Vietnamese bakeries than any other city.

A Symbol of Vietnam-Australia Cooperation

During his visit to Vietnam for APEC in 2017, then-Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull enjoyed bánh mì at a street food stall in Da Nang alongside Vietnamese-Australian chef Luke Nguyen. "I love the fresh taste of Vietnamese food," Turnbull told the press. "Australians enjoy Vietnamese food every day, and this is one of the many positive contributions of the hundreds of thousands of Vietnamese Australians."

 

Soaring Exports to Australia

The growing bilateral relationship between Vietnam and Australia has facilitated increased trade. Vietnam achieved a trade surplus with Australia for the first time in May 2024, with significant growth in key export products.

According to the Vietnamese Trade Office in Australia, Vietnamese exports to Australia surged by 66.5% year-on-year in May 2024, marking a new milestone.

Data from the Australian Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (Auscham) shows that Vietnam became Australia's 10th largest trading partner, while Australia became Vietnam's 7th largest trading partner in 2023.