Some of Australia’s leading vegetable growers will represent the industry at Asia Fruit Logistica in Hong Kong this week to showcase the high-quality vegetable products that our growers have to offer in Asian and Middle Eastern markets.

The showcase is part of Taste Australia, a trade initiative developed by Hort Innovation that aims to cultivate and strengthen business relationships with key trading partners and highlight Australia’s attributes as a reliable trading partner for safe, high-quality fresh horticultural produce.

In addition to showcasing their product as part of Taste Australia, the Australian vegetable industry delegation will take part in an extensive itinerary of in-market development activities, including visits to retailers and markets and meetings with retail, industry and government stakeholders to help build the knowledge and capabilities of the industry to export fresh vegetables.

“The Australian vegetable industry is currently in the middle of the biggest trade push in its history, so there has never been a more crucial time to showcase the high-quality vegetables that our growers are renowned for around the world,” said AUSVEG National Manager – Export Development Michael Coote.

“The vegetable industry is seeking to increase its export value to $315 million per year by 2020, an increase of 40 per cent from 2016. Attending international events such as Asia Fruit Logistica, and other market development activities, provide Australian growers with the opportunity to display the quality produce we have to offer, create valuable international business relationships and strengthen our fresh vegetable export sector.”

The opportunities available in the Asian and Middle Eastern markets have been identified as a key area for potential development in the industry’s export strategy, which highlights Australia’s geographic proximity to the region and its growing middle-class populations as advantageous for export-ready Australian vegetable growers.

“Developing and maintaining our reputation for providing fresh, quality produce through events like Asia Fruit Logistica is vital to the future success of the Australian vegetable industry,” said Mr Coote.

“This will help our industry build export markets through increased understanding of available export opportunities, improved export capabilities and an improved reputation of the Australian industry, with the ultimate aim of boosting the value and competitiveness of Australian fresh vegetable exports to help us achieve our ambitious target.

“We are confident that our attendance at this event will effectively showcase Australia’s high-quality produce to overseas buyers, and will enable Australia’s vegetable export industry to continue to flourish towards $315 million in 2020 and beyond.”

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT: Shaun Lindhe, AUSVEG National Manager – Communications
Phone: (03) 9882 0277; Mobile: 0405 977 789; Email: shaun.lindhe@ausveg.com.au