The GACC (General Administration of Customs People’s Republic of China) have on Friday 9th November 2018 published the lists of businesses that are accredited for exports of Nectarines, Peaches, Plums and Apricots from Australia.
"This is exciting news as the Australian growers have had a great start to their season with exceptional weather conditions producing great early season fruit and the continuing weather forecasts suggest the fruit quality will only improve," explains John Moore CEO of Summerfruit Australia. "This year, Australia’s key export regions will able to offer the best varieties across all categories of stonefruit for the Chinese consumers."
Fruit is now available from Renmark, South Australia, in Queensland from the Stanthorpe region then moving to the Swan Hill region and as the season progresses, the Cobram/ Goulburn Valley, Shepparton regions. Central New South Wales and the Riverina region around Griffith will be able to supply top quality plums.
Thanks to the ChaFTA (free trade agreement) and inter-governmental negotiations, access for Australian Stonefruit was granted for all categories of stonefruit into mainland China in November 2017.
"Only small amounts of peaches and plums were exported to China in 2017/18, however with the Australian Industry now in full export market readiness, Australian growers are looking forward to showcasing the true potential of Australian Stonefruit to the fruit loving consumers of P.R.China; a sweet and juicy sensation is guaranteed," said John.
Across the months of December through until late March Australian Stonefruit will be available in leading retailers and underpinned by marketing campaigns inclusive of the “Taste Australia” banner.