The export season for Australian mandarins and oranges officially began in July and continues until late August. In 2019, high temperatures affected the growth of fruit in many Australian orchards. The supply season in 2020 was therefore quite short. The supply from many Australian orchards was reduced by at least 50%. That is why the price remained firm and stable despite the global outbreak of Covid-19 and its effect on markets across the world, including in China. The volume of top-quality fruit is much smaller than last year, but the fruit is still quite sweet and the flavor is satisfactory.
Worker harvests fruit
Tangerine orchard
Killala Creek Citrus is a family company specialized in tangerines. The company is located in Queensland. The owners have more than 30 years of experience in the industry. Their mandarins and oranges are of great quality. They supply both the domestic market and export to China as well. Killala Creek Citrus has supplied high-end markets in such first-tier Chinese cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou for years. The company have also started supplying wholesale markets in Shanghai and Guangzhou in 2019. In this way the Australian mandarins and oranges can reach even more markets in second-tier cities where Chinese fruit traders have expressed an interest in high-quality import fruit.
Worker harvests fruit
"Killala Creek Citrus sells mandarins and oranges in Australia and in China under the brands 'KillaMandy' and 'Wallaby Citrus'. These two brands are recognized and loved by consumers across the globe. Fruit with a great flavor always sells well. Killala Creek Citrus sells 5 kg gift boxes via their WeChat shop in China. This product can be delivered within 24 hours to more than 200 cities across China. The superior distribution network in China guarantees that a growing number of Chinese consumers can enjoy top-quality mandarins and oranges from Australia." This is according to Ms. Lisa Liang of Killala Creek Citrus.
"All of the Killala Creek Citrus products are freshly harvested on their farm and then processed and packaged by automated AI machines. The packaging line can process up to 20 tons per hour. The machines are equipped with advanced AI to improve efficiency. This also guarantees the optimum level of product quality and ensures that all products meet the high standards for the export market."
Killala Creek Citrus gift boxes in Chinese supermarkets
Orange trees
"Many farms suffered from the outbreak of Covid-19 during the harvest season. There was a shortage of workers. Afterwards, the spread of Covid-19 and the temporary closure of Melbourne harbor both slowed down distribution. Several shipping containers were delayed, which in turn extended the shipping period and added insecurity. Distribution is already an issue during the peak period of the Australian tangerine season. Many farms therefore shifted their attention to other markets such as Thailand, Vietnam, and the Middle East. Consumers in these markets also enjoy Australian mandarins."
Orange processing line
Orange processing factory
In the end, Australian exporters encountered many problems, but they still relied on the Chinese market, which accounts for nearly 45% of Australian citrus export. "Australian oranges caused a significant financial loss for Chinese importers in 2019, which is why they were initially hesitant to purchase Australian oranges. However, supply exceeded demand and the price began to rise. This attracted more traders. In addition, Chinese traders are preparing for Mid-Autumn Festival on the 1st of October. Chinese consumers purchase a lot of fruit during this festival and sellers are eagerly stocking up in preparation. We have reasons to be optimistic. The 2020 market prospects for Australian citrus fruits are good."
For more information:
Ms. Lisa Liang
Killala Creek Citrus Australia
Website: www.killala.com.au
Tel.: +61 7 41654004
E-mail: lisa@killala.com.au
WeChat: 13811401842