The inaugural Australian Citrus Congress provided the insights and impetus to shape a profitable future for the Australian citrus sector. Over 420 industry members converged on the Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort for the three-day event (5-7 March 2024), which included a main conference program, tradeshow-style exhibition, gala dinner and biosecurity symposium.
"We were very pleased with the number of registered delegates," said Nathan Hancock, CEO of event organiser Citrus Australia. "Particularly pleasing was the strong contingent of citrus growers that took time to step off their orchards and travel to the Sunshine Coast. By investing in attending, these growers invested in a profitable future for their businesses and the industry as a whole."
Insights aplenty
The main conference program (6-7 March) provided delegates with the opportunity to hear from experts across the global citrus industry, and beyond.
In the opening keynote session, agricultural finance expert Patrick Vizzone provided a fascinating look at how the changing geopolitical landscape is shaping global economies. Based on current forecasts, Vizzone told delegates that the Australian Dollar was likely to strengthen against both the US Dollar and the Chinese Yuan over 2025 and 2026, resulting in greater price competition and lower imported input costs for Australian suppliers.
Vizzone said higher incomes would also continue to drive increased demand for premium food products in key Asian markets, including China.
The attention turned to the consumer landscape in keynote session two, where food and nutrition scientist Emma Beckett of FOODiQ Global suggested a new narrative was required for communicating the health benefits of citrus – one that moved beyond the notion of oranges and mandarins being good sources of Vitamin C.
Beckett proposed a new paradigm that highlights the systemic health benefits of citrus, positioning the category as an "affordable superfood" that's accessible and nutrient rich.
A keynote session dedicated to international trade opportunities and challenges provided a deep dive into the industry's export markets, both established and emerging. Citrus Australia's General Manager – Market Development, David Daniels, led the discussion with a thought-provoking presentation on the long-term viability and volatility of some of these markets.
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For more information: citrusaustralia.com.au