Australian plums are headed to Vietnam following a strategic research and development effort, and successful market access negotiations, led by the Australian Government's Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF). In June, as part of a national program to increase trust in Australian agricultural exports to South-East Asia, DAFF awarded 11 grants worth $3.9 million to industry bodies and universities to improve traceability.
According to the 2022/2023 Australian Horticulture Statistics Handbook, Australia produces close to $67 million of plums each year from November to April – with over half of national production occurring in Victoria.
This timely new access will provide a much-needed boost to Australian Summerfruit trade, which has been in decline since peaking at $92 million in 2020/21. Summerfruit growers, like many others in the industry, have been challenged by increasing production costs, adverse and extreme weather, supply-chain disruptions and other issues over the past few years making this good news a welcome relief.
The new market access is set to unlock major growth opportunities for Australia’s plum industry, driven by Vietnam's soaring demand. In 2023/24, Vietnam's plum imports surged by 132 per cent, presenting a prime opportunity for Australian producers to tap into this rapidly growing market.
This announcement follows other recent new market access agreements with Japan, India, and Thailand, which have been the result of strong collaboration between the Australian Government and industry, and the welcome involvement of political leaders in supporting fresh produce trade overseas.
Australian Fresh Produce Alliance (AFPA) CEO, Claire McClelland, said new and improved market access remains essential to the local industry’s viability and growth, and should remain a priority of the Australian Government.
“This agreement is a testament to the collaborative efforts of both governments and their support for mutually beneficial trade,” said McClelland.
“The newfound market access for Australian plums not only fuels growth for our horticulture industry, but also strengthens the economic ties between Australia and Vietnam.”
The AFPA recently led a delegation of its members and industry representatives to Vietnam to engage with the local industry, Vietnamese Government and Australian Government representatives. The delegation was met by great enthusiasm for supporting more two-way trade, and the prospect of more Australian fresh produce, including Australian Blueberries which are also under negotiation.
Industry anticipates that this announcement will only build momentum towards additional commodities being granted access for trade between Vietnam and Australia, as both countries’ industries look to exports as an avenue for growth.
Hort Innovation chief executive officer, Brett Fifield, said the achievement follows the groundwork laid by a series of investments delivered through Hort Innovation using industry levies and government funds, driven by the industry’s focus on export.
"The Australian plum industry’s trade-related research and development approach has been targeted and that is paying off,” said Fifield.
“Summerfruit growers have supported trade development activities, export strategies, market intelligence, grower education and promoting Australian summerfruits through successful campaigns in Vietnam.”
The latest NielsenIQ data shows Vietnamese consumers are increasingly focused on health and wellness, driving demand for safe and high-quality products, ideally positioning Australian produce.
Summerfruit Australia chief executive officer, Trevor Ranford, said Vietnam is an increasingly important market, especially as the country experiences rapid economic growth.
“Australia prides itself on being an innovative producer of fresh sweet stone fruit,” said Ranford.
“The clean environment and ideal climate of our growing areas are perfect for producing high-quality plums that meet the expectations of discerning customers.”
The summerfruit industry has a goal to increase their exports to 40,000 tonnes by 2030. This includes increasing the export tonnes to existing markets, as well as entering new markets such as Vietnam (for plums), New Zealand, the USA, South Korea and Japan.
Summerfruit Australia trade development manager, Charlotte Brunt, said the industry is gearing up to achieve their export ambitions through a new trade development program funded by grower levies and delivered by Summerfruit Australia.
“Efforts are underway to proactively support the summerfruit industry’s export goals by building our export capability, ensuring continuous improvement in the quality of exported produce, and fostering vital connections and relationships across the supply chain,” said Brunt.
In addition, the summerfruit industry is ramping up domestic communication and engagement efforts through a new levy-funded program that has brought an Industry Development Manager and Communications Manager on board.
