How Chinese leader Xi Jinping turned Tasmanian toy into a bear essential
President's purple gift sparks huge demand in China, opening up new markets for businesses
When Chinese President Xi Jinping stepped on to the airport tarmac in Australia's smallest state Tasmania, he was handed a purple fluffy toy called Bobbie.
Stuffed with lavender and wheat, the teddy bear has since captured the hearts - and wallets - of Chinese consumers.
Bobbie has become an overwhelming success in China with a remarkable following - helping creator Robert Ravens, owner of the lavender farm in the state's northeast, secure an inaugural Australia-China business award for entrepreneurship.
Tasmania has long had the nation's weakest economy, but is hoping to boost its fortunes by using its natural resources to attract an affluent Asian market looking for quality products.
When Ravens bought the Bridestowe Lavender Estate in 2007, his first goal was to return it to the peak farming condition it was in several decades ago.
He was also keen to boost the tourism potential of the farm. "We looked to create new products which would attract young visitors, and that came through food," Ravens said.
An early product, lavender ice cream, started to attract Chinese tourists to the 105-hectare farm, an hour's drive from Tasmania's second-largest city Launceston.