4 November 2022
There's been a major milestone for the Territory mango industry today, with the first direct shipment of mangoes exported to the billion dollar fruit market of Korea.
The Cathay Pacific flight to Korea has 40 to 50 tonnes of mangoes on board, and is the first of five flights to Korea before the end of the 2022 mango season.
This breakthrough was achieved through a partnership between the Northern Territory Government, NT Farmers and Pak Fresh Handing.
The aim was to identify the infrastructure required to export Territory mangoes directly to global markets, following the COVID-19 pandemic and the reopening of international borders.
Pak Fresh's Eaton facility now offers vapour heat treatment, which mangoes must undergo before being exported to Korea and other key markets.
It means Territory mango producers can now diversify into new markets overseas and potentially attract a higher price for their produce, creating a stronger economy and local jobs.
Having a facility with the capability of Pak Fresh Handling in Darwin also allows Territory produce to be exported directly from the Top End, instead of major centres on the east coast.
In 2021, Australia exported 397 tonnes of mangoes to Korea, representing 9% of total mango exports.
Given Korea imports more than $1.2 billion of fresh fruit a year, it represents a major market for Territory farmers and has enormous potential to increase our export growth.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Northern Australia and Trade Nicole Manison:
"The partnership between the Northern Territory government, NT Farmers and Pak Fresh Handling has created the opportunity to sell our iconic Territory mangoes directly, to the rest of the world.
"Being able to directly export from Darwin means more money for our farmers and creates local jobs, while targeting key international markets with the potential for growth.
"Increasing the Northern Territory's exporting capabilities, especially in a high priority market like Korea, will play an important role in growing the NT economy to $40 billion by 2030."
Quotes attributable to NT Farmers CEO Paul Burke:
"The first export of Territory mangoes from Darwin to Korea is a massive boost for the NT industry and gets a foot in the door to a huge market.
"The partnership between the NT Government, Pak Fresh Handling and ourselves will allow new markets to get a taste of our delicious mangoes.
"NT Farmers are pleased to help play a role in exporting these mangoes to Korea. We will support the industry to increase volumes for next year and send new commodities to Korea and other destinations in the region.
"The Pak Fresh vapour heat treatment facility is an asset to the agricultural industry in the NT and enables farmers to meet the strict export protocols of many of our trading partners."
Northern Territory Government
