Poised with a high-quality crop, South Australian apple growers have looked to Asian markets with renewed confidence this season.
In a sign of confidence in the South Australian industry, Singapore-based firm Duxton Asset Management invested A$12m (US$11m) in one of the state’s largest growers, Rivercorp Land and Water, earlier this month, with an eye on developing Asian export opportunities.
Apple and Pear Growers Association of South Australia chief executive, Susie Green, said trade links in the Far East had also been strengthened by a visiting delegation of Asian importers in May, which generated plenty of interest in the state’s varieties.
“They (the visiting delegates) were very discerning buyers but the visit actually led to initial export orders being placed,” Green told agricultural newspaper The Land.
“We hope this will continue growing into the future, as Asia seems to be a major export opportunity for our growers.”
A dry summer meant production volume was down last year’s near-record South Australian season.
However, Green said the quality of this year’s crop appealed to buyers, particularly in Asia.
“Crops were down 10 per cent to 15 per cent on last year,” Green explained.
“Last year was a bumper crop so we are probably back to what would be considered an average year in terms of yield.
“Prices are probably a bit stronger than they were this time last year so there are some positives there.”
