Citrus Australia’s export strategy receives $485,711 boost to expand in India
7 April 2022
Citrus Australia will use a $485,711 grant from the Federal Government to increase export opportunities to India for Australian growers, through targeted development of the Indian market.
The Australian citrus industry currently exports up to $540 million worth of citrus around the world and India and the sub-continent have been recognized as potential growth markets.
India has a population of 1.3 billon people, with 24 percent classified as middle-income or higher.
Citrus Australia CEO Nathan Hancock said there are considerable challenges to increasing exports to India so dedicated resources are required to gain a better understanding of the market and build and maintain relationships.
“We look forward to developing long term relations with business leaders and government in India, it’s a country with such a rich culture and a vibrancy and we see great opportunities for mutual benefit for traders in both countries and the end consumer.”
“We thank the Commonwealth Government for realizing the potential of this market and our strategic plan by providing this funding,” Mr Hancock said.
“Work conducted by Citrus Australia through this project over the next two years will put the foundations in place to grow exports of class-1 Australian citrus to as much as 30,000 tonnes by 2030.”
Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia David Littleproud said the Citrus Australia project would help Australia growers to target high value niche markets in India.
“This Agricultural Trade and Market Access Cooperation (ATMAC) grant to Citrus Australia is a great help for our citrus growers to diversify their market and grow their businesses,” Minister Littleproud said.
“The past 2 years have been marred by market disruptions and global freight and logistics challenges, and India and the subcontinent present real growth prospects for our high-quality, sustainable Aussie citrus.”
Under the project, Citrus Australia aims to develop a market for class-1 fruit, including navel oranges, and Afourer and Murcott mandarins, seeking to develop premium returns to Australian growers.
It will achieve this through conducting detailed research into the India market, increased engagement with those along the Indian supply chain, dedicating additional resources to build relationships and capability, and conducting study tours and inward trade missions with Australian citrus businesses.
“The Australian citrus industry has grown its export program through the reputation of our safe, quality fruit, recognized as the best in the world,” Mr Hancock said.
“This project will enable us to increase our knowledge on how to deliver this fruit to the rising higher-income demographic of India and build the resources and relationships to do so long-term.”
Citrus Australia has appointed Claire Fitchett as a Market Development Manager to lead the project.
In the last decade, Claire has worked for Apple and Pear Australia Ltd as market development manager before moving to Australia’s largest pome and stone fruit marketer (Montague) as International Strategy Manager.
“We take great pleasure in welcoming Claire to the Citrus Australia team, she’s an asset to industry who will hit the ground running,” Mr Hancock said.
For further information, contact Stephen Cooke, Industry Engagement Manager, Citrus Australia, on 0427 124 437 or stephen.cooke@citrusaustralia.com.au
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