Australian top fruit industry focuses on export
Reflecting on last year's season Claire says, "2012 was a positive year for Australian apple exports. Volumes were up 59% on 2011, due primarily to an increase in exports of Pink Lady to the UK. Other growth markets included Papua New Guinea, Thailand and Malaysia. Australian growers are receiving continuing interest from several markets and have begun exporting new season fruit.
"Indonesia, Canada and New Zealand remain Australia's key export markets for pears. New season pear exports have started and will be supported in key markets by promotional campaigns in selected retail outlets."
Claire says that Australia, though facing stiff competition abroad, especially where cost is concerned, does have an edge over other producing countries.
"Australia faces strong price competition in export markets, however, we also have premium quality fruit that meets the needs of niche retail markets and has the advantage of access to markets were some competitors currently do not."
Despite the export focus, the domestic market is also performing well, with strong demand and good prices for the growers - sometimes reaching as high as $7 per kg for Pink Lady at the retail level.
Quality and quantity is also good this season, with only a slight decrease in apple volumes and some apples varieties affected by hot temperatures.
"The apple crop is slightly down on last season for a variety of reasons, one of which is growers pushing out old varieties to plant new ones, and these are yet to reach full maturity.
"Pear volumes are up across all varieties, due to good growing conditions."
For more information:
Shanka Dharmaratne
Horticulture Australia Limited
Tel: +61 (02) 8295 2332
Mob: +61 414 257 616
[email protected]