Growers from Australia are preparing to attend Asia Fruit Logistica in Hong Kong, aiming to present their fresh produce to potential buyers from Asia. This event, occurring annually, spans the entire value chain of the fresh produce industry, drawing over 700 exhibitors from 43 countries and regions, alongside 13,000 buyers and trade visitors globally.
Brett Fifield, CEO of Hort Innovation, highlighted the importance of meeting the global demand for Australian fresh produce, noting an increase in horticulture exports from $1.21 billion in 2013 to $2.81 billion in 2023. The Australian horticultural sector's presence at Asia Fruit Logistica, coordinated under the Grown in Good Nature Australia Pavilion, is part of Hort Innovation's strategy to promote Australian produce internationally.
The Grown in Good Nature brand, developed with industry input, emphasizes the unique advantages of Australia's geography and culture in producing fresh produce. David Flack of Venus International, a citrus exporter, expressed the event's value in expanding their export networks and engaging with both existing and potential buyers.
Participants in the Grown in Good Nature Australia Pavilion include a wide range of Australian growers and exporters, such as:
- AATI Holdings Pty Ltd (Templestowe, Vic)
- Austchilli Group (Bundaberg, Qld)
- Australia Fruits (Werribee, Vic)
- Australian Global Exports (Fremantle, WA)
- Australian Table Grape Association (Mildura, Vic)
- Avocados Australia (Brisbane, Qld)
- Biopac Pty Ltd (Burleigh Heads, Qld)
- BiteRiot (Orange, NSW)
- Budou Farms (Merbein South, Vic)
- Cherry Growers Australia (Orange, NSW)
- CherryHill Orchards (Yarra Valley, Vic)
- Costa Group (Qld, NSW, Vic, SA, Tas and WA)
- Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade (NT)
- Fresh Produce Group (Qld, NSW, Vic, Tas and WA)
- Fruit Growers Tasmania (Tas)
- Fruit Growers Victoria (Vic)
- FT Farming (Vic, NSW and Qld)
- Harvest Moon (Tas, NSW, Vic and Qld)
- Perfection Fresh Australia (Qld, NSW, Vic, WA and SA)
- Premier Farms International (Melbourne, Victoria)
- Royal Jujube (Greenacre, NSW)
- Seeka (Bunbartha, Vic)
- Summerfruit Australia (Aldgate, SA)
- Sweet Potatoes Australia (Windermere, Qld)
- Venus Fruit Co Pty Ltd (Loxton, SA)
- WA Farm Direct (Canning Vale, WA)
Hort Innovation's international marketing efforts are supported by over $158M in research and development programs aimed at enhancing the capability of Australian exporters, securing market access, and establishing strategic partnerships. The Fresh and Secure Trade Alliance (FASTA), a $130M initiative, also plays a crucial role in protecting and expanding Australia's horticultural exports by bringing together key stakeholders and officials.
Source: Hort Innovation