A delegation of Queensland strawberry growers to Indonesia has identified further export opportunities to Jakarta and forged stronger links with that market, the Queensland Strawberry Growers Association (QSGA) has revealed.
The recent government-funded QSGA trade trip to meet importers, trade officials, consumers and the owners of Ranch Market and The Food Hall supermarkets in Indonesia’s capital, helped growers better understand market requirements, highlighted the sophistication of supply chain, and identified further growth opportunities, QSGA said in a press release.
Relationships forged during meetings may have opened the door to year-round supply to Indonesia, QSGA chairman Luigi Coco said.
Follow-up trips are already being planned with the hope for strong industry outcomes for Queensland and Australian strawberry growers exporting to Indonesia, the association added.
The trip identified that wealthy Indonesians and international expats living in Jakarta – whose population exceeds Australia’s – appreciate the clean, green and safe reputation of Australian-grown fresh produce.
It also revealed the great arrival quality of the fruit, despite its complicated journey involving pre-treatment and flight changes.
Commenting on the recent tour, Coco said he was surprised at the sophistication of the supply chain in Indonesia and was very excited about the opportunities for Queensland and Australian strawberry growers.
“The Australian strawberries arrived on the shelves of Ranch Market and The Food Hall supermarkets, which are both considered high-end supermarkets, in great condition,” he said.
The tour was part of project managed by Queensland Strawberry Growers Association, funded by the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources through the 'Package Assisting Small Exporters' programme and supported by the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.
