Positive start to the Australian season, but watch out for El Niño

On September 28, Cherry Growers Australia launched their season with a webinar covering various topics. Patrick Ulloa, the export development coordinator, discussed their successful participation at Asia Fruit Logistica in Hong Kong, where Australian cherries gained substantial interest.

Ulloa classified markets into three categories: easy, moderate, and highly regulated. Hong Kong, Singapore, and Malaysia fall into the easy category, with minimal requirements. Moderately regulated markets like Indonesia, the United States, and Vietnam have more regulations. Highly regulated markets, such as Korea, Taiwan, and China, demand strict compliance with numerous restrictions.

Regarding weather conditions, Ulloa mentioned that they have been excellent in many parts of Australia. Chris Lucas from the Bureau of Meteorology discussed the outlook for October 2023, highlighting the presence of El Nino, leading to warmer and drier conditions, which may affect the wet season and pose a higher wildfire risk.

Gillian Reilly, head of marketing at Hort Innovation, discussed strategies to boost the cherry industry. They aim to position cherries as Australia's premium fruit, focusing on increasing value perception among retailers and consumers.

Unlocking growth potential involves addressing barriers such as pricing and off-season demand. Reilly suggests emphasizing the fruit's delicious taste, its festive nature, and its association with the holiday season. They view the higher price as an affirmation of cherries' exclusivity and worth.

Read the full article: Fresh Fruit Portal

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