In results released by Summefruit Australia for the 2017/18 season, the exports of Australian peaches, nectarines, plums and apricots increased 27 per cent year-on-year to 17,785 tonnes, worth A$65.17 million (US$48m).
China was the leading destination receiving 4,985 tonnes during the season from November to May in addition to Hong Kong taking 3,308 tonnes. Australia gained access for nectarines to China in 2016 and followed by peaches, plums and apricots in 2017.
Summerfruit Australia CEO John Moore said “For China to become the leading market for Australian summerfruit in the first year of full access is a fantastic result rewarding all the hard work by the industry and government over many years of negotiations.”
Australian Summerfruit exports have been on a pathway of sustained growth over the past 8 years and have increased by an average 14 per cent per year, before the 2018 season surge driven by the new China demand. “We are well on our way to our goal of exporting 20 per cent of our national production.” said Mr Moore.
Some 75 per cent of the fruit was grown and exported from around Swan Hill and the Goulburn Valley in Victoria, and 16 per cent from New South Wales. Western Australian summerfruit exports lifted 127 per cent to account for 6 per cent of national exports.
According to the export analysis by Fresh Intelligence Consulting, over 40 per cent of the summerfruit exports were nectarines, 30 per cent plums, 28 per cent peaches and 2 per cent apricots.
Asian markets including China, Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia account for over 75 per cent of Australian summerfruit exports and a further 20 per cent is exported to Middle East markets.
Summerfruit imports by key Asian markets from all sources over the last 10 years have increased from 90 to 146 thousand tonnes. China is now the largest importer of summerfruit in Asia sourcing mostly from Southern Hemisphere suppliers for the counter seasonal opportunity.
Australia’s position geographically, seasonality and production capability places the industry in a prime position to expand production and trade to meet the increasing demand for high quality fresh counter-seasonal nectarines, peaches, plums and apricots from discerning consumers in Asia.
For more information:
John Moore
Summerfruit Australia Ltd
Tel: +61 2 6059 0816