Victorian growers are promoting their fresh fruit produce to key importers and consumers in South East Asian markets as part of the Victorian Government’s new 'Now In Season' campaign.
The campaign is being launched in Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines with representatives from Australian Table Grapes Association, Summer Fruit Australia Limited, and Apple and Pear Australia Limited travelling to the region.
'Now in Season' brings together peak Victorian horticulture industry organisations in South East Asia for the first time to boost the profile of Victorian fruit through a series of co-ordinated retail promotions.
The campaign is aimed at building consumer awareness and demand for Australian stone fruit, pome fruit and table grapes – of which Victoria accounts for the majority of national exports.
Major Victorian fruit suppliers will have the opportunity to showcase their high quality, safe and reliable produce
to consumers in more than 250 retail outlets across Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines during 2015.
When fresh and in season, fruit such as apples, pears, table grapes, summer fruit and cherries will be packed and shipped to feature in a range of in store promotions, tastings and other networking activities designed to maintain and build the presence of quality Victorian fruit in prime Asian markets.
Trade Minister for Trade, Adem Somyurek, said such initiatives helped to build international partnerships, investment and trade, which meant more jobs for Victorians.
Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Victoria, Danielle Green, said both government and industry acknowledged a coordinated and collaborative approach across key horticulture sub-sectors would help maintain and grow market share.
Australian Table Grape association chief executive Jeff Scott said the campaign was a great to build buyer and supplier relationships and would help new Asian markets gain an
understanding of Victoria’s capacity and capability to supply top quality fruit to Asian markets.
“This is the first time ever multiple horticulture industries have come together to promote their produce in a multicountry
retail promotion in South East Asia.”