Australian citrus growers will gain valuable
insights into some of the industry’s fastest
growing export markets, including China and
the Philippines, at the 2016 Citrus Market
Outlook Forum, to be held in Sydney on
March 16-17.
Key speakers, Kurt Huang and Laurie Smith, will provide expert information to the expanding number of Australian growers exporting oranges and mandarins.
China has become the highest valued export market for Australian citrus, and its demand has helped raise Australian export volumes and value to record levels.
Citrus Australia CEO, Judith Damiani, says more Australian growers have registered to export their produce and want information to help them meet the requirements of this important market.
“We have a 60% increase in citrus hectares registered for China compared to last year, so we may be able to meet more of the overwhelming demand this year,” Ms Damiani says.
“Chinese consumers have demonstrated their preference for high quality Australian citrus, which is exciting for our industry.
“Key note addresses by Kurt and Laurie will provide our growers further insight into what these consumers require.”
Kurt Huang’s company provides a fresh fruit import clearance service in Shanghai, and his main office is located in the Shanghai Huizhan Fruit & Vegetable Market, the biggest imported fruit wholesale market in East China.
Laurie Smith has over 30 years’ experience in international corporate, advisory and government roles. He was based in Asia (Guangzhou, Beijing, Taipei and Shanghai) for a total of 18 years across three decades before returning to Sydney in 2011 where he headed Austrade's international network for four years.
Austrade’s Vanessa Perez, based in the South East Asian mega-city of Manila, will share the latest opportunities for fresh produce for the growing middle-class in the Philippines.
South East Asia is becoming the third great emerging driver of global prosperity after China and India.
Other speakers and panels will explore current and future trends in the export, domestic and juice sectors.
Highlights of the forum include:
• Tree planting and production trends over the next 10 years
• Export market performance, challenges and opportunities
• Domestic market trends and new developments
• Prospects for new juice products and juice export
• Delegate prize draw to win an escorted trip to Spain courtesy of MAF Oceania
For more on the forum, visit www.citrusaustralia.com.au, or download the registration/draft program form here.