A growing presence across Asia has helped propel the value of Australian citrus exports to A$232m over the first nine months of 2015, a 10 per cent increase on last year, ABC Rural has reported.
Citrus Australia chief executive Judith Damiani said the performance was a fitting reward for the investment and commitment the industry has made towards growing the export sector, particularly in its largest market, mainland China.
“It's been good to find a premium market that is a good returning market,” Damiani told ABC Rural. 'There's been a concerted effort in helping the industry becoming export ready for China.”
Damiani said the industry had also worked to increase its foothold in other markets throughout the Asian region, highlighting significant growth within the Philippines market.
'The growth there (the Philippines) has been phenomenal just in the last three years,' Damiani said. 'Again, we've had some protocol improvements, and we've done some in-market development there. They are very hungry for good quality citrus so we're keen to develop that one some more.'
