More Aussie citrus for China

It’s not often Mildura becomes the cultural hub where global deals are done. However last Tuesday evening saw didgeridoos droll out the familiar sound whilst Citrus Australia’s CEO Judith Damiani and the president of the Chinese Agricultural Wholesale Market Association (CAWA) Mr Zengjun Ma signed a MOU to cement the already strong trade arrangements between the two countries.

(L-R) Signing of the MOU – Mr Ma (President of CAWA) and Judith Damiani (CEO, Citrus Australia)

“We’re delighted - the MOU is a strategic alliance which provides benefits to members of both associations – and a first for Australian agriculture,” said Judith Damiani, Citrus Australia’s CEO.

Citrus Australia has spent many years forming a relationship with the CAWA, China’s largest agricultural distributor with over 300 members, representing about 70% of the total fruit and vegetable trade in China.

One of the CAWA delegation members own a market three times the size of Sydney’s wholesale markets (Sydney Market is Australia’s largest wholesale produce market, and even has its own postcode).

(L-R) CAWA delegate, Madam Liu Commercial Counselor People’s Republic of China Melbourne Consulate, Judith Damiani (CEO, Citrus Australia) and Mr Ma (President of CAWA)

The MOU

Citrus exports to China continue to expand, with the 2013 trade valued at $21 million. That figure is likely to double this year.

When asked about the benefits of Australian citrus, Mr Ma mentioned the clean environment, premium quality and counter-seasonality as major contributing factors. He went on to say, “the prospects are very good because Australia has such vast land and China has huge demand for Australian produce”.

Citrus Australia hosted the CAWA delegation of 21 members on their inaugural visit to Australia, which included wholesale market visits in Sydney and Melbourne, business networking and a tour of Mildura and Renmark orchards and packing facilities. The tour culminated in an official industry dinner in Mildura and the signing of the MOU on Tuesday 24 June 2014.

www.citrusaustalia.com.au