Having launched in Bangkok, the Now In Season produce marketing tour is heading to Manila on Tuesday, April 14. The tour is an initiative of the Victorian Government, in cooperation with Summerfruit Australia Limited, Apple and Pear Australia Limited, Horticulture Innovation Australia Limited, Australian Table Grape Association and Austrade. Representatives from each industry body will make their way through each country for a series of events.
As trade increases between Australia and South East Asia, the initiative allows growers to build international partnerships, investment, and jobs, according to the Victorian Minister for Trade, Adem Somyurek. “Increasing our engagement with the growing economies of Asia is crucial to Victoria’s economic prosperity,” he said in a statement issued by the Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews’ office.
The involvement of peak industry bodies signals a commitment to collaboration when it comes to fresh produce import and export, according to John Moore, CEO of Summerfruits Australia. “The active involvement of Australia's peak industry horticulture groups demonstrates a commitment across the industry to continuing to build trade and commercial partnerships in these important export markets,” he said.
The tour is a way to showcase Victoria’s capacity, according to Jeff Scott, CEO of the Australian Table Grape Association. “This is a great opportunity to build buyer and supplier relationships and will help new Asian markets gain an understanding of Victoria’s capacity and capability to supply top quality fruit to Asian markets,” he said.
A consistent approach to marketing is also expected to prove beneficial, according to Mr Moore. “Through the development of a consistent marketing campaign across all participating markets and retailers, NIS demonstrates that a coordinated and collaborative approach across key horticulture sub-sectors can help to maintain and grow market share for the Australian horticulture sector more broadly.”
Major fruit exporters of Victoria will be able to showcase their produce to more than 250 retailers across Thailand, The Philippines and Indonesia this week as the ‘Now In Season’ initiative moves between the three countries. Their fruit, when in season, will also be packed and shipped to the countries featured on the tour for in-store promotions, media activities and tastings.
For more information:
Office of the Victorian Premier
Phone: +61396515000
Website: www.premier.vic.gov.au