APAL Industry Forum and APAL Awards for Excellence 2024

APAL Industry Forum 2024

The APAL Industry Forum 2024 will take place at Zinc on Monday 3 June 2024, leading into Hort Connections in Melbourne.

The theme of the APAL Industry Forum 2024 will highlight strategies for navigating the business lifecycle, focusing on growth, operational optimisation and strategic resilience. It will underscore the essential elements crucial for success in the ever- evolving apple and pear industry landscape.

Featuring presentations and training from expert speakers, the program content looks to arm growers with tools and information to help them make better business decisions, including upskilling in negotiation, the importance of ensuring quality product, making labour work for you and future planning (short term tactics for long term gains).

A detailed agenda for the Industry Forum 2024 will be released in the coming weeks.

APAL Awards for Excellence 2024

Preceding the Industry Forum, the APAL Awards for Excellence will take place at the Welcome Drinks during the evening of Sunday, 2 June 2024.

The APAL Awards for Excellence recognises the outstanding contributions of those who’ve helped to shape and influence our industry across all areas, from researching and growing through to marketing and exporting.

With a change to the award categories, Industry Rising Star will be replacing the Young Grower of the Year award. We look forward to coming together to celebrate the achievements of individuals and businesses across the industry over drinks.

Nominations are still open for the APAL Awards for Excellence 2024, you can submit your nominations here.

We look forward to seeing you in June!

Event Overview

Sunday, 2 June 2024

APAL Awards for Excellence and Welcome Drinks: 5.30pm – 9.00pm | Morris House – 120 Exhibition St, Melbourne VIC 3000

Monday, 3 June 2024

APAL Industry Forum: 8.30am – 3.30pm | Zinc at Federation Square – Cnr Princes Walk & Russell St Ext, Melbourne CBD 3000

Note: If you would like to attend the APAL Industry Awards and APAL Awards for Excellence, please ensure that you have selected the option to attend both days when purchasing your tickets.

Sessions Overview

Simon Kuestenmacher, Director and Co-founder of The Demographics Group, will set the stage with a broader macroeconomic concept presentation, looking at consumer concerns and trends in 2024 – What does it mean for the Agri-food business?

Sarah De Bruin, a Horticulture Consultant at AgFirst, will delve into The Orchard Business Analysis Project. With her expertise, De Bruin will shed light on the vital role of cost awareness in grower success. Through case studies and data-driven insights, she will provide actionable strategies for maximising returns and quality fruit production in a dynamic market environment.

The event will feature a panel discussion by industry experts such as Ross Wilson who will share their insights on “Future planning – Short term strategies and tactics for long term gains.” From consolidation strategies to productivity enhancement, the panellists will offer valuable perspectives on making strategic decisions for sustainable orchard business growth.

A sales and negotiation presentation and workshop will take place during the Forum this year. Neil Rechlin and Anthony Grant from theNextGen team will be unpacking how retailers negotiate with suppliers. What should suppliers do to prepare themselves and improve their negotiation position? Whilst the Grocery Code is far from a silver bullet – there are some powerful elements that can be used to rebalance the discussions with the retail buyer.

Steve Burdette, Executive Officer at Approved Employers of Australia, will address the pressing issue of labour mobility in his presentation on “Making Labour Work For You.” Burdette’s expertise in seasonal worker programs will provide attendees with updates on policy changes and strategies for optimising labour in horticulture production.

Quality assurance will take centre stage, with emphasis on the importance of industry collaboration and performance monitoring in ensuring consistent fruit quality. Through Pomewest’s successful initiatives in Western Australia, a presentation by Nardia Stacy will showcase the transformative power of quality programs in driving industry standards.

Stuart Gregor, Co-founder, Trade Director, and Chief Ambassador of Four Pillars Gin, will share his entrepreneurial journey in “The Four Pillars Story.” Gregor’s inspiring narrative will highlight the challenges, successes, and business strategies that propelled Four Pillars Gin to global recognition, offering invaluable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs.