Innovative Australian fruit growers are exploring marketing opportunities in Russia in a bid to increase exports.
Victorian stonefruit grower V F Siciliano & Sons sent its first containers of nectarines to Russia late last season and is set to repeat the initiative this season if exchange rates become more favourable.
At the moment the Australian dollar is strong making it expensive to send fruit overseas, the Weekly Times reported.
'It's a pity we didn't start earlier with it,' said marketing manager Tony Siciliano.
'Australian fruit has been recognised for its quality in a lot of places and also for being clean and green.
'But because the Australian dollar is so high, everyone is shying off.'
David Minnis, a member of the Australian Horticultural Exporters Association, said the Sicilianos were one of a number of growers who have had their fruit shipped to Russia.
However Mr Minnis warned that some Russian importers had defaulted on debts because of the global recession, and urged caution among Australian traders.
'A number of Australian companies were approached last year and stone fruit and cherries went into Russia,' he said.
'There are companies that pay, but there are some that don't so Australians need to trade very carefully.'
Tony Siciliano said his company's exports to Russia had been well handled, ensuring it had no trouble receiving payments.
'If you've got a good connection and you get paid up-front you're not at risk,' he said.
