APAL attends Hort Connections 2023
Members of the APAL team descended upon Adelaide to participate in Hort Connections 2023, Australia’s largest horticulture event. This highly anticipated gathering commenced with a lively opening reception at the Adelaide Convention Centre on 5 June and wrapped up on 7 June.
Hort Connections 2023 proved to be a hotbed of innovation and technological advancement ideas in the horticulture industry. It offered a great opportunity for industry leaders, colleagues, and experts to connect and engage in fruitful discussions concerning the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead all throughout Australia’s horticulture industries.
Following a successful welcome event, the APAL team, including Justin Smith (Head of Industry Services), Jeremy Griffith (Head of Government Relations and Advocacy), Tom Frankcomb (Variety Development Manager), and Jenny Van de Meeberg (Head of Trade), engaged with suppliers showcasing sustainable packaging solutions, advancements in product labeling, compliance and data capture, market insights, and attended informative presentations.
Hort Connections 2023 revolved around the theme of “Knowledge for Growth,” aiming to equip the industry with the necessary expertise to leverage the next generation of research, technology, and business innovation, thereby enhancing the production and value of the horticulture sector.
The event acted as a central gathering point for growers and industry members, enabling them to expand their knowledge base, forge valuable networks, and discover new ways to boost the productivity and profitability of their businesses.
Justin Smith, expressed his enthusiasm about the event, stating, “Hort Connections is a great event for many industry participants, particularly for growers looking to discover the latest innovations and technologies that can enhance their businesses’ productivity and profitability.”
As Hort Connections 2023 unfolded, it proved to be a captivating event, serving as a hub for knowledge exchange, networking, and the exploration of cutting-edge advancements in the horticulture industry. The APAL team was excited to be part of this transformative gathering and look forward to contributing to the growth and success of the apple and pear sectors of horticulture.



