update WA STONEFRUIT

Industry report

ON SHANGHAI ROUND TABLE

The purpose of the Shanghai Pudong New Area Government visit was for the directors to gain a deeper understanding of the quality and variety of Western Australian agrifood and beverage sectors and to establish connections with key state government and agricultural industry associations and representatives.

Words Ross Anile, Project Officer and Value Chain Facilitator, WA Stonefruit

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I must thank Michael Feakes for the invitation to this very informative and enlightening meeting. The presentations by the Chinese Delegation highlighted the willingness and desire of China to open its markets to Western Australian quality produce.

The protocols will always be testing and once they are met then I can envisage a healthy, prosperous trading partnership with the Shanghai, Pudong Area.

Our southern hemisphere location affords the WA Stonefruit Industry the advantage of harvesting quality produce during China’s off season. Our harvesting period coincides with Chinese New Year and other major events, which the Chinese consumer celebrate by gifting stonefruit to family and friends, as well as featuring stonefruit on the family dinner table.

The population of Shanghai/Pudong is 5.81 million which is serviced by 4 Wholesale Markets and 196 Wet Markets which have a high demand for quality fresh produce. These markets move more than 10,000 tonnes of produce daily to meet the needs of this major city and other close by population centres. The gross domestic product growth in this region is currently at 6% annually which is mirrored in the annual disposable income growth for its workers.

Due to the large expat population located in the Shanghai/ Pudong Economic Area, these expats require and demand high quality produce. Expats have a very high disposable income, and price is not a driving factor when purchasing quality food.

The world’s major industry companies all have offices and manufacturing facilities located in Shanghai/Pudong industrial zone.

Pudong has the largest container terminal in the world, which services the majority of container traffic for China. Pudong also has the 3rd largest air freight terminal in the world which allows for a very efficient trade hub for any fresh produce that needs to be brought in by air.

WA is in a unique geographical proximity to service Shanghai by air which takes approximately 9 hrs and 12 days by sea freight.

Future trade with China is assured as their population is further modernised and disposable income per head of population increases. The Chinese are a health conscience society with desires to purchase quality produce grown with modern techniques with a reduced reliance on chemicals and artificial fertilisers.

WA Stonefruit will encourage growers to evaluate their capacity to enter this export market, whilst understanding the commitment and possible financial benefits.

Finally, to enter the Chinese market, growers will need to utilise the services provided by Austrade, DPIRD and Exporters from Western Australia.


MORE INFORMATION

Contact Ross on 0419 931 118 or ross.anile@perthnrn.com