Australian exhibitors will be in force in Hong Kong next week, highlighting the country's importance to Asia's fresh produce market.
Australian Fruits
Australia Fruit will be exhibiting alongside growers Wandin Valley Farms and VFS Siciliano. The Australian fruit and vegetable exporter represents both brands, exporting stone fruit to Asia from November to March for VFS Siciliano and cherries from mid-October to February for Wandin Valley Farms. This will be Australia Fruit’s 14th time exhibiting at Asia Fruit Logistica. Managing Director Joe Tullio says it’s always a great opportunity to showcase Australia Fruit. It will also allow them to showcase their export and logistics services, such as chilled processing and documentation, and meet with existing and potential clients. “It’s a great opportunity to talk to the industry, meet with existing long-term clients and explore potential new markets,” says Tullio. With Australia’s protocol access improving in South Korea, Vietnam and Japan, Australia Fruit sees growth opportunities for Australian produce to Asia. “We are targeting growth in markets with improved protocol access and look forward to meeting people in these regions,” says Tullio.
Åsbeg
Ausveg, the national peak industry body for Australian vegetable, potato and onion growers, will be exhibiting with 10 Australian export producers this year. Delegates will display a wide range of Australian grown vegetables, including carrots, onions, potatoes, Brussels sprouts, celery, baby salad leaves, baby broccolini, pumpkin, swede and shallots. Developing export markets is a top priority for Ausveg. The organisation works with Australian export growers and overseas customers to provide the skills and networks to supply high quality fresh vegetables to international markets. Ausveg continues to target Asian and ASEAN markets, with Singapore, UAE and Malaysia remaining the top three countries for Australian vegetable exporters. “Asia Fruit Logistica acts as a key platform for Australian vegetable growers to connect with suppliers and buyers in Asia and around the world,” said Ausveg CEO Michael Coote (pictured below). “Exhibiting at this exhibition provides our producers and members with market exposure to customers across Asia and around the world, which also boosts trade outcomes.”
WA Farm Direct
Australian distributor and exporter WA Farm Direct will feature two of its premium fruit brands, Ondine flat nectarine and Pomegranate, as well as Soluna apples, in this year's Asia Fruit Logistica. The promotion comes ahead of WA Farm Direct's plans to launch Australian-grown Ondine stone fruit for export later this year, following successful trial cultivation in early 2024. WA Farm Direct produces Ondine stone fruit in collaboration with select grower partners. According to the company, the fruit boasts a balanced “semi-sweet” flavour, brightly coloured skin and a distinctive flat shape that sets it apart. Ondine will be available in select Asian and Middle Eastern markets from December 2024 to March 2025. Soluna apples will be available in Hong Kong, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, India, Philippines and the Middle East GCC from May to December.
N&A Group
N&A Group will be showcasing fresh Australian produce produced at its family farms, Ardrossan Orchards and Sunland Fresh Fruit. Key categories include apples, stone fruits, avocados and mangoes. In addition to its exclusive brands, N&A will also promote licensed varieties such as the Ondine Flat series, Swing, Sunrise Magic and Snapdragon apples. Over the past 12 months, N&A has continued to solidify its position as a leader in new variety development in Australia with a successful commercial season for its Ondine Flat peaches and nectarines. Earlier this year, the group worked with WA Farm Direct to send the first export shipment of Australian-grown Ondine Flat peaches and nectarines to Asia. N&A will be increasing plantings in its orchards this winter as it prepares for the commercialisation of its exclusive sustainable apple variety, Swing. The company has also invested in several sustainable, non-plastic packaged products which will be showcased at this year's Asia Fruit Logistica.
Bio Pack
Biopac, a post-harvest solutions provider, will be unveiling a new modified atmosphere bag designed for table grapes at this year's Asia Fruit Logistica. The company says its new solution, AgroLife Plus, extends the shelf life of table grapes by keeping oxygen and carbon dioxide at optimal levels, maintaining relative humidity and inhibiting spoilage-causing microorganisms with antibacterial properties. The bag can be used for both storage and transport and eliminates the need for sulphur dioxide pads. Results from customers who have used Biopac Map Bags on organic and conventionally grown grapes have shown that storage can last up to four to five weeks, depending on the grape variety. Perfection Fresh Australian grower and exporter Perfection Fresh will once again be showcasing its premium proprietary line of mangoes, including the Calypso mango, at Asia Fruit Logistica. Chief Marketing and Innovation Officer Luke Gibson says Calypso is popular for its distinctive pink hue, small seeds and firmer, silky flesh. “Firm flesh means the fruit can withstand the rigors of the supply chain, ensuring it looks great and has a long shelf life when it reaches the shelves,” Mr Gibson says. The majority of Perfection's exports are to Asian markets, including Vietnam, China, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan and Korea. “We have our own VHT (vapour heat treatment) facility in Brisbane, Queensland, which allows us to control the whole process of processing and shipping to Asia. It's the largest VHT facility in Australia and can process up to nine tonnes of fruit in one run,” Mr Gibson says.
Grape Farm
This year marks Grape Farms' third year exhibiting at Asia Fruit Logistica. The grape grower and exporter will be at the Australian Pavilion for the first time, showcasing new varieties it plans to begin producing. The expanded variety range will extend Grape Farms' harvest season and pave the way for it to reach new markets across Asia. As part of these expansion plans, the company will be launching new brands across its lines. “We believe that a unique brand, backed by strong marketing and consistent taste, will make a big practical difference for customers and consumers,” says owner Enrique Rossi.
Ozblue
Australia-based agricultural company United Exports will be showcasing its OzBlue series of premium blueberry varieties as well as its full line of innovative packaging options designed to enhance the product's shelf life and convenience. In addition to its existing line, United Exports will also be introducing two new varieties, OzBlue Raquel and OzBlue Olivia. OzBlue Raquel is a late-maturing variety with significantly longer shelf life, and in tests could be stored for up to seven weeks without loss of flavor, firmness or size. OzBlue Olivia is an early-maturing variety that can be produced year-round. Both varieties are currently in development and early trials. “We are excited to share our progress and innovations with attendees,” said Roger Horak, chairman and founder of United Exports.
Joya
For the first time, apple brand Joya will have a dedicated booth at Asia Fruit Logistica, providing an exciting platform to unveil its refreshed brand identity and positioning. The update comes after a thorough strategic review and the apple product category. It features an updated logo and brand positioning to celebrate the upbeat disposition and joy that Joya apples bring to the dining table. “Visitors to the Joya booth will experience first-hand the brand's vibrant energy and revitalized imagery that embodies the essence of Joya apples,” said Philip Turnbull, Group CEO, Twenty Degrees and Apple & Pear Australia. “This milestone marks a new chapter for Joya, as the brand continues to capture the attention of apple lovers with its exceptional quality and upbeat spirit.” According to Turnbull, Joya is known for delivering strong performance attributes and a consistently great eating experience, giving consumers a crispy texture with every bite.
Austria Chile
Australian agriculture and manufacturing company AustChilli has expanded its AvoFresh avocado convenience range this year with the launch of a new product, Smashed Avocado. The new product joins existing popular flavours, continuing to give consumers an 'always ripe and ready to eat' way to enjoy avocado. “Smashed Avocado is a hugely popular Australian breakfast favourite that has gained popularity around the world,” says Francisco Riesco, export sales manager. “Following the success of AvoFresh, we have heard from several customers asking for a 'plain' option, making Smashed Avocado the perfect addition to our product line.” AustChilli is also launching a new foodservice AvoFresh range, with three products available in larger 500g packs: Smashed Avocado, Hint of Lemon and Guacamole. “Hospitality businesses share the same pain points as avocado consumers, and our 500g product is the perfect solution to provide customers with perfectly ripe avocados every time, while reducing kitchen waste,” says Leasko. AvoFresh has seen double-digit growth in the Australian retail market and is now also available in Thailand and Hong Kong, continuing its global expansion. This adds to existing launches in New Zealand, Malaysia and Singapore. “We're proud to offer a solution that avocado lovers around the world can always rely on.”
Pink Lady
Pink Lady will be showcasing a new brand positioning designed specifically to drive brand affinity and expand its customer base across Asia. The team leveraged consumer insights, market intelligence and campaign experience to create a new brand that celebrates the vibrant and colorful personality of the Pink Lady apple. “We are excited to share our insights into the Pink Lady brand's value proposition with new and existing partners,” said Philip Turnbull, Group CEO, Twenty Degrees and Apple & Pear Australia (Apal). “The passion behind the brand, the strength of our global licensing network, rigorous quality control and the enduring power of the Pink Lady name make Pink Lady a true standout in the apple category.” To further grow the brand in the dynamic Chinese market, Pink Lady has expanded its reach in Asia by entering into a new management partnership with GoodFarmer. Representatives from Twenty Degrees, Apal's newly launched commercial organisation, will also be present at the Pink Lady booth. Twenty Degrees brings together expertise in IP protection, strategic marketing, brand management, quality assurance, compliance, territory management and licensing to accelerate the commercial development of branded fresh produce.
