There will be a strong Tasmanian contingent at Asia Fruit Logistica in Hong Kong this year. Fruit Growers Tasmania which represents the interests of pome fruit, stone fruit, and berry growers in Tasmania is hosting a stand within the Australian pavilion at Asia Fruit Logistica in three weeks’ time.
Fruit Growers Tasmania has been attending this important promotional event since it commenced in 2007. Peter Cornish, Chief Executive Officer of Fruit Growers Tasmania said, “This year we will be attending under the Tasmanian Grown branding which was launched at Asia Fruit Logistica in Bangkok last year. We are excited to be attending with several key exporters – Somercotes Cherries, Spreyton Fresh, and Tamar Valley Fruits (AAAW) as well as apple and cherry grower Hansen Orchards and cherry exporter Reid Fruits. Our stand will be within the Australian pavilion which includes large Tasmanian vegetable exporter Harvest Moon and several other producers who have operations in Tasmania.”
Despite challenges, the Tasmanian fruit industry continues to go from strength to strength. It is Tasmania’s fastest growing agriculture sector in the last decade. With a farm gate value of approximately $370 million, fruit is the third largest agricultural sector after red meat and dairy. Over 3,000 hectares are now in fruit production across Tasmania. Berries are now the highest value crop in the state, even bigger than potatoes – and Tasmania grows a lot of delicious potatoes.
More raspberries and blackberries are grown in Tasmania than in any other Australian state and Tasmania is the second largest grower of blueberries in Australia. In the most recent season, 70 per cent of all Australian cherry exports were grown in Tasmania. We also grow two unique Tasmanian varieties of apples – Tiger Fuji and Rubigold which are both exported internationally.
Industry growth requires investment in infrastructure – irrigation systems, netting, rain covers, and state-of-the-art sorting and packing technology, enabling our dedicated growers to work with the unique Tasmanian environment to produce superior quality fresh produce.
Tasmania’s temperate maritime climate, with essential winter chill hours followed by long daylight hours and a mild growing season, provides the ideal growing conditions to support the slow ripening and enhanced flavour of temperate fruit.
Cornish added, “Our isolation is truly a gift. Grown in protected valleys surrounded by native forests, our plants flourish naturally, protected from many pests and diseases. Asia Fruit Logistica will be a great opportunity for buyers to interact with our Tasmanian exporters and potentially access some of the highest quality fruit that is anticipated, appreciated, and enjoyed the world over.”
For more information:
Peter Cornish
Fruit Growers Tasmania
Tel: +61 0429 588 481
www.Tasmaniangrown.au