The Australian blueberry industry will gain access to the Vietnamese market from December 2025 following the signing of a new export agreement. The protocol was finalised between the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) and Vietnam's Plant Production and Protection Department.
The agreement has been supported by research and trade initiatives funded through Hort Innovation industry levies and contributions from the Australian government. These measures underpin the technical protocols needed to open the market and support future exports.
© Hort Innovation
Hort Innovation CEO Brett Fifield said: "The signing of this protocol is an important step forward, enhancing the industry's competitiveness both internationally and domestically. This new market access presents an opportunity to tap into Vietnam's increasing demand for premium, high-quality imported fresh fruit, for which Australia is so well known."
In 2023/24, Australia exported 1,085 tonnes of blueberries to international markets. Fifield noted that the Vietnam protocol should help increase that figure.
Berries Australia stated that Vietnam's expanding middle class has a preference for imported fruit, aligning with Australia's blueberry production. "Vietnam market access presents a fantastic opportunity for the blueberry industry, as it has a growing middle class that actively seeks out high-quality imported fresh fruit. Vietnamese consumers have a well-established preference for branded, premium fruit with exceptional freshness and flavour, aligning perfectly with Australia's reputation for superior blueberry production," the group said.
Other trade initiatives
The new Vietnam protocol comes alongside other blueberry trade development efforts. These include the Fresh and Secure Trade Alliance (FASTA) program (AM22000), which uses evidence-based strategies to expand horticultural market access, and the multi-industry berry trade development and market access project (MT23004), which runs from 2024 to 2029. The latter aims to increase volumes of Australian berry products in international markets and support long-term competitiveness.
© Hort InnovationFor more information:
Lauren Jones
Hort Innovation
Tel: +64 0427 140 765
Email: [email protected]
www.horticulture.com.au
