Domestic market access
While protocols exist to permit the import of apples from New Zealand, China and Japan (an import risk analysis is currently underway by DAWR to permit entry of USA-grown apples), 99.7 per cent of apples sold in Australia are locally grown, owing to commercial considerations, robust biosecurity protocols and commitment by major retailers to support Australian primary producers.
Industry’s reliance on this domestic market to absorb volume, and limited export activities, increases exposure to imported apples and pears being able to compete with local product on price, quality, and variety.
A renewed focus on quality, expansion of branded varieties and the recent joint establishment of the Strategic Marketing Panel by APAL and Hort Innovation, aims to develop a marketing strategy that will revitalise domestic consumption, as well as driving overseas export opportunities in the longer term.
