Greater Shepparton City Council will once again host a trade stand at Asia Fruit Logistica in Hong Kong in 2024, in partnership with Fruit Growers Victoria, with the proposed delegation approved at the December Council Meeting.
Council and Fruit Growers Victoria hosted a trade stand at the expo this year, providing an opportunity to support the region's horticultural industry, partner with local growers, establish a presence at the event, and market the region as the Fruit Capital of Australia and a place to invest and do business.
Following the success of this year's trade stand, Council will attend again in September 2024 which Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali, said was a decision supported by local growers.
"Having a dedicated stand at the 2024 event is a worthwhile exercise to continue to grow and promote our expansive horticultural offering. We have been told by local growers that Council's attendance in addition to providing a trade stand allows them to hold their meetings at a site, giving them an enhanced level of credibility amongst their competition," he said.
"This year we had local growers utilising the stand for trade negotiations and it was a huge success with several contracts signed as a result of the opportunity."
Many outcomes and opportunities resulted from the 2023 delegation including:
- Identifying a number of new export market opportunities for the region including an opportunity for our region's pears in India.
- Learning more about the changing world of fresh produce to assist in growing the local agricultural sector.
- Council being recognised and commended for its progressive approach in relation to international engagement by Global Victoria's Deputy Commissioner Greater China and facilitating additional export opportunities for our growers.
- Identifying a number of areas for improvement and expansion to greater improve Council's presence and outcomes for 2024.
Cr Sali said the response this year was extremely positive and he looked forward to further success at the 2024 expo.
"Greater Shepparton is the Food Bowl of Australia. A total of 25 per cent of Victoria's agriculture is grown here and our exports generate $2.5 billion per year. It is a major industry for our region and Council will continue to support our local growers to ensure their ongoing growth on a global scale," he said.
"We look forward to seeing what can be achieved at next year's expo."
