Growers from around the nation are getting set to travel to Hong Kong this week to showcase Aussie fresh produce to potential buyers from across Asia at the industry’s flagship tradeshow, Asia Fruit Logistica.

Held annually, Asia Fruit Logistica covers the entire fresh produce industry value chain. The event is attended by more than 700 exhibitors from across 43 countries and regions, and 13,000 buyers and trade visitors from across the globe.

Hort Innovation chief executive officer Brett Fifield said accelerating global demand for Australian fresh produce has never been more important for the sector.

“Over the past decade, Australia’s horticulture exports have grown from $1.21 billion in 2013 to $2.81 billion in 2023, a compounded annual growth rate of 8.8 per cent, and we are still growing,” Mr Fifield said.

“Coordinating the Australian horticultural presence at Asia Fruit Logistica is just one of the ways that Hort Innovation is working hand-in-hand with industry to promote our high-quality produce on the world stage.”

“This year it is encouraging to see the largest ever contingent of Australian growers and exporters make their way to Asia Fruit Logistica under the Grown in Good Nature Australia Pavilion.”

Developed in close consultation with industry, Hort Innovation’s Grown in Good Nature brand brings to life how Australia’s good nature – in both geography and personality – empowers us to grow the greatest, freshest produce in the world.

Citrus exporter from Venus International, David Flack, said they are looking to expand their networks.

“Venus International is a grower, packer and exporter of premium Australian citrus and we currently export to more than 15 overseas countries,” Mr Flack said.

 “We are looking to further expand our export footprint in both existing and new markets."

“The biggest benefit we see from attending Asia Fruit Logistica is that buyers from worldwide markets will all congregate at the one venue, which means we can meet with our existing customers at the same time as engaging with potential new ones.”

Industry attendees presenting in the Grown in Good Nature Australia Pavilion include:

• AATI Holdings Pty Ltd (Templestowe, Vic)
• Austchilli Group (Bundaberg, Qld)
• Australia Fruits (Werribee, Vic)
• Australian Global Exports (Fremantle, WA)
• Australian Table Grape Association (Mildura, Vic)
• Avocados Australia (Brisbane, Qld)
• Biopac Pty Ltd (Burleigh Heads, Qld)
• BiteRiot (Orange, NSW)
• Budou Farms (Merbein South, Vic)
• Cherry Growers Australia (Orange, NSW)
• CherryHill Orchards (Yarra Valley, Vic)
• Costa Group (Qld, NSW, Vic, SA, Tas and WA)
• Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade (NT)
• Fresh Produce Group (Qld, NSW, Vic, Tas and WA)
• Fruit Growers Tasmania (Tas)
• Fruit Growers Victoria (Vic)
• FT Farming (Vic, NSW and Qld)
• Harvest Moon (Tas, NSW, Vic and Qld)
• Perfection Fresh Australia (Qld, NSW, Vic, WA and SA)
• Premier Farms International (Melbourne, Victoria)
• Royal Jujube (Greenacre, NSW)
• Seeka (Bunbartha, Vic)
• Summerfruit Australia (Aldgate, SA)
• Sweet Potatoes Australia (Windermere, Qld)
• Venus Fruit Co Pty Ltd (Loxton, SA)
• WA Farm Direct (Canning Vale, WA)

Austrade staff will also be attendance to help connect Australian growers to international contacts.

Hort Innovation’s international marketing activities are underpinned by more than $158M in research and development programs that support the capability of Australian exporters, maintain and develop international markets, establish strategic partnerships and secure market access. Additionally, the Fresh and Secure Trade Alliance (FASTA) is a $130M program which sees key Aussie export stakeholders and officials joining forces to help protect and grow Australia’s horticultural exports.