Apple growers are encouraged by requests for Tasmanian Royal Gala apples from the Australian mainland, but would like prices to be a bit higher, as some specialty varieties finish their season. “We are encouraged that wholesalers around the country are starting to ask for premium Tasmanian Royal Gala. The cool climate down here in Tasmania allows us to grow a crisp, high coloured Royal Gala which has a long shelf life,” says Baden Ribbon, Marketing Manager for Hansen Orchards.
Volumes are up between 20 - 30% on this time last year for Tasmanian growers, according to Ribbon. Royal Gala is also one of the main varieties grown in the state known as the ‘apple isle’. The news from Tasmania comes barely six weeks after Batlow growers reported that coolrooms were full. Batlow is another growing region, on the Mainland, famous for Royal Gala apple production.
The shipment of Pink Lady apples that Hansen orchards sent to China is due to arrive in another three weeks, and the future for exports looks promising against the backdrop of a newly signed FTA with China, according to Ribbon. “It will give us a much stronger chance to build long term sustainable supply programs into countries such as China,” he says. FTAs with Korea and Japan should also provide opportunities worth exploring for growers who are looking to export.
The tariffs on apples will be reduced to zero in gradual stages under the Australia-China FTA, but many grower representatives have pointed out that there are still issues around quarantine and access to work through for other fresh fruit commodities.
For more information
Baden Ribbon, Marketing Manager
Hansen Orchards
Phone: +613 6264 0200
Website: www.hansenorchards.com.au