Australia’s fruit exporters explore new opportunities across Asia at two major trade shows.
The Australian fruit industry was out in force at two key Asian horticulture trade shows, showcasing the quality, reliability and innovation Australian producers are renowned for.
Exporters and horticulture peak bodies and associations travelled to the China International Fruit Expo in Shanghai in late August and Asia Fruit Logistica in Hong Kong in early September.
This year, support from the Accessing New Markets Initiative (ANMI) enhanced Australia’s presence at both trade shows. Austrade partnered with Trade Diversification Network (TDN) member the Australian Table Grape Association to bring a consortium of emerging horticultural export industries to the shows.
This provided opportunities for newer entrants and those looking to diversify to learn more about the unique demands of the Chinese, Hong Kong and broader Asian fruit markets. In turn, buyers had the chance to experience the depth and breadth of Australia’s offerings, including apples, pears, mangoes, table grapes, avocadoes, berries, cherries, citrus, melons, summer fruit and dried fruits.
Australian Table Grapes Association CEO Jeff Scott says the multi-industry approach supported by ANMI is a blueprint for the horticulture sector’s future approach to market.
‘The more that horticulture industries can work together, [the more] it’s going to be a win-win for everybody,’ Scott says. ‘We can’t work in silos anymore going forward.’
Trade shows like China International Fruit Expo (CIFE) and Asia Fruit Logistica are gateways to opportunities across Asia. These events attract thousands of visitors, exhibitors, buyers, importers and distributors across the region – all looking for new opportunities, connections and innovations.
In Shanghai, CIFE drew over 22,900 attendees and more than 300 exhibitors from 58 countries and regions. The show is becoming an important meeting place for China’s domestic fruit trade. Its concentration of mainland importers and decision-makers allows Australian industries to explore specific routes to market, gather product feedback and develop relationships ahead of future access.
‘We were thrilled to return to CIFE with an Australian Pavilion that doubled in size and with twice the number of exhibitors,’ says Stephanie Smith, Austrade Trade and Investment Commissioner. ‘The expanded platform allowed our growers to showcase a wider variety of Australia’s premium, safe, and sustainable produce, connect with global partners and unlock new commercial opportunities.’
In Hong Kong, Asia Fruit Logistica drew 16,000 attendees and more than 760 exhibitors from 41 countries. In the lead up to Asia Fruit Logistica, Austrade invited 595 international buyers from 270 companies to meet with Australian exporters, ultimately facilitating over 280 business-matching meetings between exporters and buyers from across Asia at the show.
There were plenty of discussions taking place at the Australian Pavilion at the China International Fruit Expo.
The trade shows provided emerging industries and their members to explore potential markets, understanding consumer needs, build commercial relationships and gauge demand.
Berries Australia used CIFE to gather intelligence and develop industry relationships ahead of potential access.