Table grape growers capitalising on Chinese market
Victorian table grape growers have exported to mainland China for the first time after eight years of negotiation, with help from the Victorian Coalition Government.
Agriculture and Food Security Minister Peter Walsh said the Coalition Government recently hosted a trade delegation from China that resulted in the export of 30 containers of table grapes worth approximately $2.6 million.
"After eight years of negotiation between Australia and China, this is the first full production season where growers have been able to export grapes to mainland China," Mr Walsh said.
"The breakthrough is the result of extensive bilateral negotiations and follows the Premier's successful visit to China last year where he promoted Victorian produce."
Mr Walsh said 60 per cent of Australian table grapes were grown in the Sunraysia and Murray Valley districts and the 2012 season had been favorable with growers producing excellent quality grapes.
"This has provided a platform to aggressively pursue opportunities in the Chinese market," Mr Walsh said.
"In March, the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) hosted a delegation of major Chinese importers from Shanghai and Guangzhou to meet with Victorian table grape exporters and visit table grape properties in Mildura and Robinvale.
"The importers were impressed with the quality, colour, crispness and taste of the Victorian table grapes and placed orders for 30 containers of primarily Crimson Seedless grapes."
Mr Walsh said DPI, the Department of Business and Innovation and Austrade would lead a group of Victorian table grape growers and exporters on a visit to China this month.
"The delegation will meet with major Chinese table grape importers and retailers in Shanghai and Guangzhou to establish business relationships, and determine market requirements and consumer preferences," Mr Walsh said.
DPI and the Australian Table Grape Association are also coordinating a major promotion in 20 Jusco supermarkets in Southern China. This is the first time that Australian table grapes have been promoted to Chinese consumers.
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