Some of Tasmania's top cherry producers have travelled to Hong Kong to showcase their stock at one of the world's largest fruit trade events. Fruit Growers Tasmania has joined a group of Tasmanian cherry growers at Asia Fruit Logistica, a global trade event hosting 43 exhibitor countries, and attracting more than 13,000 visitors.
Premier and Minister for Trade and Major Investment, Jeremy Rockliff, said Tasmanian representation at the global event was important for the State's exporters to nurture and develop new relationships with buyers and distributors while growing trade for Tasmania. "This event is a fantastic opportunity for our State's hardworking growers to showcase their stock and shine a light on the high-quality produce Tasmania is delivering," Premier Rockliff said. "We are supporting Fruit Growers Tasmania to identify export growth opportunities for growers through our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future."
Minister for Primary Industries and Water, Jane Howlett, said Tasmania's fruit industry continues to be a success story, generating a farm gate income of some $400 million annually. "We know gaining new markets will support the fruit industry to grow even further and that's why our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future commits $600,000 to Fruit Growers Tasmania to expand its trade presence, including through a trade officer. "Having this expertise and support at a local level helps identify opportunities for growth, such as at trade shows like Asia Fruit Logistica."
The Government assisted Tasmanian companies attending Asia Fruit Logistica 2024 through the Accelerating Trade Grant Program. "Supporting our producers and exporters to grow their markets, is vital to the Tasmanian economy, and it is an integral part of our Tasmanian Trade Action Plan 2024–25," Premier Rockliff said. "Cherries are the largest fruit export from Tasmania, with an export value of $48.28 million."
Representatives from Fruit Growers Tasmania will be joined in Hong Kong by cherry growers from Australia Aulong Auniu Wang Group (trading as Tamar Valley Fruits), Platinum Ridge Tasmania, Somercotes Cherries and Spreyton Fresh. Reid Fruits and Hansen Orchards will also be attending independently. "The Government's 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future will continue to support growth in our export market and keep the economy strong," Premier Rockliff said.
For more information:
Premier of Tasmania
Jeremy Rockliff
www.premier.tas.gov.au