The number of Australian fresh produce exporters will reduce from 4,300 to around 900 by 2015, an industry leader said this week.

Rob Robson of One Harvest told a seminar at PMA’s Fresh Summit that there are still inefficiencies to be taken out of the Aussie production and international supply chain.

Responding to a question on the increasing cost burden on growers, he said: “If you look at our industry, there is still a huge opportunity to take costs out of the system. When I do see people collaborating along the supply chain, it becomes obvious that costs can be driven out.

“You could go and see 100 mango growers in Australia, and hear of 95 different ways to grow mangoes,” said Robson. “Consolidation of our efforts is happening and will undoubtedly make us more cost efficient.”

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