Citrus Australia has labelled recent trade seminars in Japan a major success, with capacity attendance at both of its events.
The Australian organisation hosted events in Tokyo and Osaka, and its Chief Executive Officer says it is part of developing a deeper market engagement program for one of its most important and loyal export markets.
"In the last ten years orange exports to Japan have increased from 15,200 tonnes (2007) to 33,400 tonnes (2016)," Judith Damiani said. "It is our largest export market for oranges by volume. With the recent Japan Australia Economic Partnership Agreement and reducing tariffs, Australian citrus has become more competitive in the market and has contributed to the demand. Volumes increased by 20% from 2015 to 2016."
Photo: Austrade promotion of Australian produce in Japan
Citrus Australia is looking to capitalise on future opportunities in the Asian nation over the next five years, and events like this strengthen Australia's position, based largely around the quality of the fruit.
"Increased tourism and the lead up to the Tokyo Olympics in 2020 which coincides with our peak export season (July/August) will contribute to demand," Ms Damiani said. "The consistent message has been regarding the great taste and high reputation for clean and green. We work with the Australian Government National Residue Survey to run one of horticulture’s biggest residue testing programs and promote this in-market."
She also says Australian citrus has been boosted through the tariff reductions under the JAEPA free trade agreement.
"It is definitely making an impact. The in-season tariff for oranges has fallen from 16% to 10.2% this year, together with favourable exchange rates, has made our citrus more competitive," Ms Damiani said.
It is not just Japan where Australian citrus is thriving, with exports to China up 420 per cent in the past ten years. While the Australian government commenced pre-clearance inspections to support exports of Australian citrus to Korea.
But Ms Damiani says the industry is constantly improving, with new technology and varieties to keep Australia at the top of these international markets.
"We continue to improve market access to Japan and have completed cold treatment verification trails on additional varieties including Afourer mandarin, dekopon and blood orange," she said. "New post-harvest technologies are also being investigated (such as cold plasma) in an effort to reduce citrus decay without fungicide treatments. This is possible through the industry’s investment in Research and Development through Horticulture Innovation Australia."
For more informationJudith Damiani
Citrus Australia
Phone: +61 3 5023 6333