Country of origin labeling may work for products exported out of Australia, but those importing, who would want the country of origin shown on labeling may still be disappointed, according to one grower and exporter. “You don’t know, for example, with frozen berries, where does it come from?” says Susan Chislett, of Chislett Navel Orchard. “For example produce imported from New Zealand could have originally come from China and been packed in New Zealand, but it’s got the New Zealand label.”
Exporters will likely benefit more because of Australia’s ‘clean green’ reputation, Ms Chislett says. “From an export perspective the Australian logo gives a competitive advantage, I’d think, now, but I think it should be on the front and not the back.” The labels also do not require each country where ingredients are imported from to be specified, only the percentage that is Australian grown or made. “I would imagine countries importing produce would want the label to say that fruit came from them too,” she adds.
While the Chislett Navel business ‘enjoys’ export markets, and expects that others benefit from exports too, Ms Chislett says that is not a reason to stop learning when different fruit is in season, and will be locally grown, either. “There’s no excitement anymore when the first grapefruit comes out, for example, or with different stonefruit or cherries.”
Chislett Navel Orchard exports via a distributor, mainly to China, according to Ms Chislett. The lower Australian dollar should be a help this coming season, she says, which ends in October. “While we used to export mainly to the US, distance-wise lots of things can go wrong, and it’s expensive to correct. We’re happy with our arrangements now.”
For more information
Visit the Chislett Navel Orchard website: www.chislettnavel.com.au
Exports are managed by the Mildure Fruit Company.