Insights from the 2023 APAL Industry Forum

The Australian apple and pear industry gathered at the highly anticipated APAL Industry Forum held on 2 June 2023 at Zinc in Melbourne. The event served as a platform for industry professionals to connect, exchange knowledge, and delve into critical discussions about the future of the industry. With a line-up of esteemed speakers and engaging panel discussions, the Forum offered valuable insights and actionable strategies for industry stakeholders.

Renowned demographer Bernard Salt AM kicked off the presentations, armed with the latest census results to slice and dice the Australian consumer market and to scope out demand for the apple and pear industry. During his presentation Bernard discussed the shifting demographics and changing eating habits that will influence the demand for apples and pears in the coming years. He highlighted that millennials, who are now entering the family-development stage of life, will contribute to an increased demand for these fruits.

Vítor Caçula Pistóia, a RaboResearch Analyst, took the stage next to present his insights on the farm inputs industry. In his session, “Farm Inputs Outlook: Setting a New Market Equilibrium,” Vítor discussed the latest developments in fertilisers and agrochemicals. Attendees gained a comprehensive understanding of market trends, upcoming challenges and potential opportunities, enabling them to make informed decisions and optimise their farming practices.

Jaclyn Hope, Partner in PwC’s Mergers and Acquisitions team, delivered an informative presentation titled “Get Investor Ready.” Drawing upon her vast experience in the agribusiness sector, Jaclyn shared practical insights on investment strategies, financial practices, and strategic planning. Her session provided attendees with essential guidance on how to position their businesses for investment opportunities, fostering growth and sustainability.

Bernard, Vítor and Jaclyn made up a panel discussion around Branching Out: Examining consumer trends, farm expenses and investment landscape in horticulture and fresh produce industries.

The middle session of the day saw MC and keynote speaker Nigel Collin deliver his presentation titled “The Game of Inches”. His talk focused on sustainable growth achieved through small, consistent steps.

Justin Smith, Head of Industry Services at APAL, and Stephen Wilson, Category & Insights Manager at Strikeforce, presented an APAL Industry update on Quality & Merchandising Projects. Stephen discussed the Field Merchandising project for apples and pears, which is funded by the Hort Innovation Apple and Pear Levy. Justin provided an update on the APAL-funded apple and pear quality monitoring program.

Jeremy Griffith, Head of Government Relations and Advocacy at APAL, delivered an advocacy update on Competition and the Retailers. He discussed APAL’s efforts to influence policy decisions and prioritise the concerns of growers. Jeremy highlighted APAL’s work in the retail space, focusing on issues such as pricing transparency, labour availability, biosecurity, and government support.

Following lunch, Mick Keogh, the Deputy Chair of the ACCC, discussed “Decoding the rules of horticultural trade.” He focused on the Horticulture Code and the Food and Grocery Code, emphasising their purpose in promoting fairness in bargaining and dispute resolution processes within the horticultural industry. Mick explained the rights and responsibilities of retailers, traders, and growers, highlighting the role of the ACCC in ensuring compliance.

Helen McKenzie, the Code Arbiter for Woolworths, presented on the “Role of the arbiters.” She shared valuable insights on managing complaints and ensuring compliance in the food and grocery industry, particularly in relation to Woolworths’ adherence to the Food and Grocery Code of Conduct. Helen discussed her role in resolving complaints from suppliers and explained the complaints handling procedure and the collaborative process of working with the Food and Grocery Code to review and address grievances.

Chris Leptos, an Independent Reviewer of the Food and Grocery Code, led a discussion titled “Is the Food & Grocery Code working for suppliers to the major supermarkets?” He offered a unique perspective on how the code impacts suppliers and major supermarkets in Australia. Chris provided a comprehensive analysis of the code’s implementation, highlighting both its successes and challenges, to assess its effectiveness in supporting suppliers in their relationships with major supermarkets

The afternoon session concluded with a panel discussion made up of Mick, Helen and Chris on “Unlocking equitable value: Navigating supplier-retailer relationships for sustainable pricing in the Australian pome fruit industry.” The panelists explored strategies and insights for achieving fair and sustainable pricing in supplier–retailer relationships, with a specific focus on the pome fruit industry. The discussion aimed to uncover ways to enhance value and collaboration within the industry while ensuring long-term sustainability.

Finally, after afternoon tea, record-breaking Australian explorer James Castrission closed the 2023 APAL Industry Forum, sharing lessons learned on two world-famous adventures that pushed the boundaries of human endurance. Applying a growth mindset to successfully complete two of the greatest adventures of all time, James shared his story of two Australian explorers who undertook the first unsupported kayak across the Tasman Sea and details of their trek from the coast of Antarctica to the South Pole and back.

The 2023 APAL Industry Forum was a successful event that brought together industry professionals, fostered connections and provided valuable knowledge and insights to drive the industry forward. We hope to see you at the next one!