Tasmanian tastes making their mark in Asia

The Tasmanian fruit industry’s quest to expand its reach into the Asian market has continued after a contingent of growers attended Asia Fruit Logistica in Hong Kong.

Businesses from the state at the industry conference included Aunita Cherries, Somercotes, Spreyton Fresh, Reid Fruits, Hansen Orchards, and Tamar Valley Fruits.

Asia Fruit Logistica is the largest fresh fruit and vegetable trade event on the continent, as the Tasmanian contingent aimed to secure new buyers and reconnect with existing customers.

With COVID-19, ongoing wars, and tariff hikes, Fruit Growers Tasmania CEO Peter Cornish said there is significant uncertainty in the global trade market.

“Fortunately, as a small island, we have a great deal going for us,” Mr Cornish said.

“A stable and supportive government, a pristine environment with low pest pressure, mild growing conditions, long summer days, plenty of clean water and rich, fertile soils.”

Mr Cornish said as a result, Tasmania produced fruit with superior flavours that were larger than what other markets offered.

“We offer international buyers a great range of fresh temperate fruit, which is of premium quality and arrives in Asian markets within 72 hours of packing - a claim that not many other regions can make, due in part to the need for phytosanitary treatment.”

Tasmanian cherries are among the state’s biggest fruit exports and are worth more than $45 million, all of which is generated in a six to eight-week period during summer.

“The situation for global trade is not lost on our competitors,” Mr Cornish said.

“With representation from 42 countries, competition was high.

“China once again held the largest country representation at the tradeshow, with the USA second and Australia the third largest.

“Australian businesses and industry bodies took up some 890m2 of floor space at the event.”