Australian plums are headed to Vietnam following a strategic research and development effort and successful market access negotiations led by the Australian Government's Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.

The new market access is set to unlock major growth opportunities for Australia’s plum industry, driven by Vietnam's soaring demand. In 2023/24, Vietnam's plum imports surged by 132 per cent, presenting a prime opportunity for Australian producers to tap into this rapidly growing market.

Hort Innovation chief executive officer Brett Fifield said the achievement follows the groundwork laid by a series of investments delivered through Hort Innovation using industry levies and government funds, driven by the industry’s laser-sharp focus on export.

"The Australian plum industry’s trade-related research and development approach has been targeted and that is paying off,” Mr Fifield said.

 “Summerfruit growers have supported trade development activities, export strategies, market intelligence, grower education and promoting Australian summerfruits through successful campaigns in Vietnam.”

The latest NielsenIQ data shows Vietnamese consumers are increasingly focused on health and wellness, driving demand for safe and high-quality products, ideally positioning Australian produce.  

Summerfruit Australia chief executive officer Trevor Ranford said Vietnam is an increasingly important market, especially as the country experiences rapid economic growth.

“Australia prides itself on being an innovative producer of fresh sweet stone fruit,” Mr Ranford said. “The clean environment and ideal climate of our growing areas are perfect for producing high-quality plums that meet the expectations of discerning customers.” 

The summerfruit industry has a goal to increase their exports to 40,000 tonnes by 2030. This includes increasing the export tonnes to existing markets, as well as entering new markets such as Vietnam (for plums), New Zealand, the USA, South Korea and Japan.

Summerfruit Australia Trade Development Manager, Charlotte Brunt, said the industry is gearing up to achieve their export ambitions through a new trade development program funded by grower levies and delivered by Summerfruit Australia.

“Efforts are underway to proactively support the summerfruit industry’s export goals by building our export capability, ensuring continuous improvement in the quality of exported produce, and fostering vital connections and relationships across the supply chain,” Ms Brunt said.

In addition, the summerfruit industry is ramping up domestic communication and engagement efforts through a new levy-funded program that has brought an Industry Development Manager and Communications Manager on board.

Plum facts from the2022/2023 Australian Horticulture Statistics Handbook: 

• Australia produces close to $67M of plums each year.
• Most plum production occurs in Western Australia, South Australia, Queensland, New South Wales along with Victoria being the largest producing state.
• Plums are produced from November to April.