CANBERRA: Growth in demand in Asia and the Middle East has seen the value of Australian vegetable exports increase by over five per cent since the 2013-14 financial year.
That’s according to recent data released by the Global Trade Atlas, which reports vegetable exports increased to over $270 million in 2014-15, up from $256 million in 2013-14.
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Ausveg national manager, export development, Michael Coote, said since 2013-14, Australian vegetable exports to Singapore and the United Arab Emirates have increased by 29 per cent and 24pc respectively.
“The export value of a range of vegetables has increased in several overseas markets, which is encouraging news to Australian growers who often grow a variety of commodities,” said Mr Coote.
“Overall, there have been increases in exports for key vegetable commodities, such as carrots, which experienced an export value increase of 10pc, and the cauliflower and broccoli category, where export value rose by 60pc.”
“Australia’s high quality vegetables are highly sought after, with growing middle class populations in Asia and projected growth in the food sector in the UAE stimulating increased demand for a greater variety of Australian vegetables.”
In a statement, Ausveg said over the past couple of years it has been developing a strong programme in the area of market development, introducing around 150 supermarket and wholesale buyers to Australian growers and also organising trade missions made up of growers to events in Dubai, Japan, Indonesia and Hong Kong.
“It is imperative that we build our export markets as this will serve to reduce pressure on the domestic industry which is already over-supplied with produce,” Mr Coote said.
“Australian vegetable growers have limited opportunities to increase their revenue streams in the domestic market.
“Developing export markets are a prime opportunity for growers to increase their profitability, where there is an increasing demand for premium quality produce.
“With more than 600 million people living to our north, huge opportunities await Australian producers as market access opportunities are created.”
