13 April 2018
Is the juice industry rebounding or is this a bubble?
Is the juice industry rebounding or is this a bubble?
13 April 2018
Join other growers, processors and industry at the inaugural Citrus Juice Forum – it’s fast-approaching, and growers are urged to register now!
The event will be held on Tuesday 1 May in Leeton in NSW’s Riverina.
Citrus juice is enjoying a price resurgence. In the past two seasons, growers have received higher returns for juice varieties including Valencia oranges. This forum will help growers understand this price rise and evaluate whether they should plant juice varieties.
Citrus Australia’s CEO Nathan Hancock said: “Growers are asking me is this long term? What should I plant? Are we going to see these prices continue?
“And it’s not just growers, processors are reassessing their situation, they’re asking how many trees are there? What’s the real cost of production? Are growers profitable at these levels?”
According to Nathan it’s a change that had to come.
“Growers could not afford to invest in juice varieties at the returns they were receiving, they kept trees if they had them in regions such as the Riverina, however in other regions we have seen a large decline in Valencia orange production in favour of navel orange or mandarins.”
Citrus Australia will present tree census data that reveals the decline in production base and lead a discussion on the merits of investing in the juice sector.
“The Australian citrus industry is a very successful industry, we have seen a year on year increases in exports of fresh citrus, growers are experiencing good returns and there’s been a surge of investment back in to orchards,” Nathan said.
“We want to explore the reasons why we’ve seen an increase in price and demand for juice and test whether it is sustainable,” he added.
The program includes presentations about the Australian and overseas markets, new varieties, other research and orchard and business management.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to hear from and speak with representatives from the event’s Gold Sponsors, Lion Dairy & Drinks and Nudie Juices.
Graeme Sanderson, NSW DPI Research Horticulturist, is excited to talk about new Valencia types that are being evaluated for Australian conditions.
“These new Valencias in combination with local Australian selections will greatly expand the choice for growers considering processing orange redevelopment,” Graeme said.
“These offer growers and processors more flexibility at harvest, improved juice yield and flavour profiles.”
Other speakers who have recently been confirmed include:
- Alby Taylor, General Manager of Australian Beverages
- avid Stevens, Citrus Consultant at Nutrano Produce Group Limited
The event concludes with a visit to field sites to view new variety and rootstock combinations as well as discussions on pruning and managing juice varieties for better yields.
The Citrus Juice Forum will be held from 8.30am to 4pm, with morning tea and lunch provided. It is a free event but participants must register to attend.
Participants can find out more information including the event location when they register online at https://citrusaustralia.com.au/uncategorised/2018-citrus-juice-forum-registration or by calling Citrus Australia on (03) 5023 6333.
More information including the event program is available at https://citrusaustralia.com.au/event/juice-forum
For further information
Susie Mills | Communications & Event Manager | Citrus Australia Ltd
P: +61 (0) 3 5023 6333
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