Pineapples were the main focus on Australia Day, at one Queensland Hotel.
Dozens turned out at the Pineapple Hotel, in Brisbane, on Australia's national day for the annual pineapple throwing contest, where the fruit was the theme for the occasion.
Photo source: Pineapple Hotel Facebook
The pineapple is one of Australia's favourite summer fruits, especially in Queensland, which makes up the majority of production. In the year ending June 2018, 76,002 tonnes were produced, according to the Hort Innovation's latest statistics, with 47,206 being sold fresh. The production value was $53.4million, with the almost the entire supply remaining on the domestic market. Locally grown pineapples are available all year, with peak harvests in Autumn and Spring months.
Photo source: Pineapple Hotel Facebook
Cartons of the tropical fruit were on hand at the Pineapple Hotel for the occasion, with Nat Exon and Sam Ilton winning the events - with both taking home $500 each.
It comes as Australia’s peak farming, food manufacturing and small business groups have urged the community to back the nation’s growers and businesses this Australia Day, adding, they need the support to keep providing the world-class products and service they are renowned. Buying products home-grown products was a great way for the community to show its support.
“With the ongoing drought and the more recent bushfires, Australian farmers need our support now more than ever,” National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) President Fiona Simson said. Buying Australian produce is crucial to making sure that our farmers and agriculture industry is being looked after. Australian farmers are the backbone of our country and are responsible for growing our world-class food and fibre. Australia Day is all about celebrating our shared values so on Australia Day, support our farmers buy purchasing home grown produce.”
With ongoing drought, and recent fire and flood ravaging much of the country, Australian farmers, food manufacturers and businesses, small to large, have been impacted. Dr Geoffrey Annison, Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC), says buying Australian products from Australian businesses was a great way for the wider community to support producers impacted by natural disaster.
“Food and grocery manufacturing injects $122.1 billion a year in to the national economy and is the lifeblood of many of Australia’s regional communities, where sector employment is 107,000,” Dr Annison said. “Australia’s food and grocery manufacturers buy raw goods from our farmers and turn this into the products we know and love. This Australia Day support the sector and buy some great Australian products to celebrate. Because helping one another is central to being Australian.”