By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
MAJOR fruit importers and retailers from Asia flocked to apple packing sheds in Narre Warren earlier this month on a Victorian Government-led fact finding mission.
The importers’ visit came as it was announced in this year’s State Budget that $35 million would be allotted to the government’s Food to Asia Action Plan.The Asian delegation – from Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and China – visited the Montague Fresh Orchard in Narre Warren in search of new trade opportunities to meet the growing demand for premium fruit, while also visiting the Nine Mile Fresh sheds in Tynong, as well as the Melbourne Wholesale Market.
Minister for Agriculture and Food Security Peter Walsh said the tour was an opportunity for the international representatives to explore and evaluate Victoria’s Pink Lady apple industry.
“The Victorian Coalition Government is committed to helping our food and fibre producers enter new export markets and grow existing markets,” he said.
“Inward trade missions are a great opportunity for Victorian producers to showcase their fruit and build relationships with key importers from the growing Asian market.
“The growing middle-class population in Asia means more consumers there are demanding the high-quality products that Victoria can provide.
“This visit is one of many steps in developing that export relationship under the Victorian Coalition Government’s Food to Asia Action Plan.”
Apple and Pear Australia (APAL) CEO John Dollisson said the Asian importers had been impressed by the taste and quality of the Pink Lady produce.
“Australia’s reputation for high food safety standards is also a great asset,” he said.
“With Pink Lady apples making up 44 per cent of apples grown in the Goulburn Valley, we see huge potential for increasing exports of them.”
Mr Walsh said the visit was part of a three year government partnership with APAL which is expected to increase Victorian apple and pear exports by at least 10 per cent by 2015.
“This shows the value in the Coalition Government’s commitment to partnering with industry bodies that are willing to co-invest,” Mr Walsh said.
“For example, another promotion of Pink Lady apples to Malaysia last year under this partnership resulted in a 66 per cent increase in Australian apple exports to Malaysia.
“The Coalition Government will continue to work with APAL and other industry bodies to grow exports, put more Victorian food on Asian tables and drive Victoria’s long term economic growth.”
