A significant shortage of canned beetroot has emerged following the devastation of Golden Circle’s beetroot farms in New Zealand's Hawke’s Bay by Cyclone Gabrielle. This shortage, persisting for 12 months, has spotlighted the interdependence of Australian and New Zealand agricultural sectors. Australian beetroot growers, like Ed Fagan of Mulyan Farm, argue that with earlier notification, the domestic sector could have mitigated this shortfall. Despite the reliance on imports, Fagan emphasizes the resilience and robustness of Australia's beetroot production, capable of withstanding international supply disruptions.
Within the industry, companies such as Three Threes and Edgell stand out for their commitment to domestic production and processing, underscoring the potential for Australian self-sufficiency in beetroot supplies. Despite this year's climatic adversities, Fagan is optimistic about the 2024 crop, reinforcing the adaptability of beetroot to Australian conditions. Meanwhile, Heinz, Golden Circle's parent company, and Edgell are navigating supply restoration efforts, with expectations of normalizing inventory levels in the coming months. This situation highlights the broader challenges and opportunities within Australia's agricultural trade dynamics, particularly in the face of climate-induced disruptions.
Source: theguardian.com
