AU: Driving competitiveness in Asian markets
The research, which was conducted by Euromonitor International and funded by a Horticulture Innovation Australia (HIA) project in collaboration with AUSVEG, was applied to fresh and minimally processed vegetables and conducted over a 10 month period in 2014 and 2015 to identify new, relevant and commercially viable solutions.
Project Leader Umesh Madhavan said from the 40 global innovations identified, 10 innovations shortlisted by HIA were further investigated.
The shortlist includes fresh vegetable snack packs; environmentally friendly compostable packaging; peel‐and‐reseal lidding films to enhance produce freshness; living salads (pots of growing baby salad leaves ready to be freshly harvested at home and picked prior to consumption); and QR codes on packaging to inform consumers of the different food varieties and indicate the origins of the produce.
“The shortlisted innovations are highly relevant to Australian growers looking to differentiate themselves from lower‐priced, locally grown Asian produce,” Mr Madhavan said.
“New infrastructural developments and the modernisation of grocery retailing channels, coupled with rising consumer affluence across Asia, will create a retail and operations environment more conducive to helping Australian growers benefit from the adoption of select vegetable innovations.
“Our research also involved trade interviews with government officials, trade associations, growers, importers, wholesalers and retailers in markets, where an innovation was first conceptualised and/ or commercially available, to help shed light on understanding the innovation’s compatibility with Australian produce and their effectiveness at enhancing Australian exports to Asian markets.”
HIA CEO John Lloyd said increasing international trade opportunities is high on the agenda for HIA.
“There are many opportunities for Australian horticulture to improve its exports and raise its international profile,” Mr Lloyd said. “One way to achieve this is by identifying key innovations that will add superior value to Australian produce. Furthermore, Australian growers will need to continuously adopt new technologies and other innovations if we are to achieve long term competitiveness.”
Brochures with more information on the innovations have been distributed to growers and other relevant stakeholders. Please use the contact detail below to request copies of the brochures.
For more information:
HIA
Tel: +61 02 8295 2300
Email: contact@horticulture.com.au