Australian Stonefruit Grower Magazine Issue 4 April 2017 | Page 7

CEO's Report
take many forms. Many Chinese companies
are importing agricultural systems and
practices from countries such as Australia.
There are opportunities to develop linkages
with such companies, to the benefit of both
parties.
Australia is not alone in this desire –
China has Free Trade Agreements with 11
countries, including Chile, Peru and Costa
Rica. However, we have a reputation for
both quality and value for money.
Linking with northern hemisphere
partners would not only gain us better
access into Chinese markets, but extend the
supply of specific, branded products.
As China enters the second year of its
Participants at Fresh Connections Shanghai
(including John Moore at centre of image - ed).
13th Five-Year-Plan, China’s rapidly growing
middle class is searching for innovative products which
combine quality and safety. With increasing imports, lessons learnt; send quality fruit, well branded and not
more second and even third tier cities are acquiring the inferior brix fruit looking for a quick buck. As I have said the
type of CIQ customs clearance systems that were once Chinese consumer is a very discerning buyer very familiar
held exclusively by cities such as Beijing, Shanghai and with new technologies and interactive media. Industry
Guangzhou. Direct flights into such cities mean that must take responsibility for the International stage we
Australian stonefruit has market opportunities as never now share with Chile, distinguishing our choice premium
before. quality stonefruit from the bulk mass of Chilean stonefruit.
Here’s hoping we have a better 2017/18 season for really
establishing Australian stonefruit and be mindful of the
– John Moore
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April 2017 | Australian Stonefruit Grower
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