Hort Innovation study aims to identify opportunities and boost trade in the high-value market
Hort Innovation has commissioned KPMG Australia to study the supply chain of horticultural products exported to India. Researchers will identify the main opportunities and challenges in the market and recommend strategies to enhance the position of Australian products.
The research is funded through a federal government Agricultural Trade and Market Access Cooperation (ATMAC) grant awarded to Hort Innovation, which aims to get more Australian produce to consumers around the world.
Minister for agriculture, fisheries and forestry, Murray Watt said 2024 would deliver new opportunities for the nation’s horticulture industry.
“Australia grows world-class produce, and we want to get it on more dinner plates right across the globe,” Watt said.
“Last year I led a delegation to India with 12 senior members of Australian agribusiness to promote our high-quality produce and push for greater trade ties between the two countries. It is great to see these ties reflected in the growth of trade between Australia and India.
“With positive outcomes already emerging through the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement, India provides immense opportunity for Aussie growers and producers, with a young, growing population who value Australian produce.”
Hort Innovation chief executive Brett Fifield said India has never been more of a focus for produce exports.
“Growth in incomes, population, and urbanisation in India are projected to drive a substantial hike in premium agrifood consumption in the future,” Fifield said.
“By 2050, significant increases are expected in import demand from India for fruit, vegetables and nuts, so now is the time for the Australian horticulture sector to better understand the Indian supply chain.”
Fifield said one of Hort Innovation’s core imperatives is to accelerate local and global demand.
“This project will set industry up for future success by equipping them with the intel they need to play in the Indian market.”
The Avolution chief executive Antony Allen said the avocado industry is primed to do business with India following last year’s federal government announcement that Australian Hass avocados can now be exported into India.
“With our early exports to India, we are already learning so much about this market and our customers. This study offers deeper insights that will help grow our partnership with India further,” Allen said.
“The time is ripe for our exporting industries to capitalise on trade opportunities with India, and this report will provide us with a roadmap on where to focus our efforts and drive value for our sector.”
