Retail reality, the Code and practical AI to lead 2026 APAL Industry Forum
This year’s Forum has a clear objective: to equip Australia’s apple and pear growers with the confidence, commercial awareness and practical tools needed to make informed decisions in a rapidly evolving marketplace.
In a year when commercial pressure continues to test Australia’s apple and pear growers, the 2026 APAL Industry Forum will focus squarely on what matters most: retailer reality, supplier protections and practical technology adoption.
A headline session will see Neil Rechlin, Director of NextGen Group, deliver a frank assessment of where things truly stand with retailers. Growers will hear a clear update on what, if anything, has changed in the past 12–18 months. Are negotiations improving? Has retailer behaviour shifted in meaningful ways? And what feedback are retailers currently giving about apples and pears in terms of quality, supply reliability, pricing and category expectations?
Beyond assessing the present landscape, Neil will outline what the next 12 months may look like and what growers should be doing now to protect margins, strengthen their position and prepare for upcoming negotiations.
He will then be joined on stage by Grocery Code mediators Trish Henry and Jenny Linsten for a practical discussion about the Food and Grocery Code of Conduct, and how growers can use it with confidence.
The Code exists to support fair, respectful and transparent relationships between suppliers and retailers, yet many growers remain hesitant to fully engage with the protections available.
In this session, the mediators will share firsthand insights into how the Code is being used today, the types of issues being raised and how suppliers, including growers, can access the system without fear of retaliation. Rather than focusing solely on formal dispute resolution, the discussion will highlight how early engagement, clear communication and a sound understanding of Code processes can lead to faster resolutions and stronger long-term relationships with buyers.
Whether the issue relates to contract clarity, payment timelines, pressure in negotiations or treatment at shelf, the message will be clear: speaking up is not only allowed, it is protected.
The Forum will also tackle one of the most talked-about topics currently: artificial intelligence.
Sami Mäkeläinen, a leading strategic foresight professional specialising in the mindful adoption of emerging technologies, will cut through the hype to focus on what growers can realistically use today.
Through practical demonstrations and industry-relevant examples, Forum attendees will see how AI tools can support day-to-day business decisions, from analysing historical orchard data to streamlining administrative tasks and improving reporting efficiency.
Complementing these sessions, futurist Simon Kuestenmacher will provide insight into the demographic and consumer trends shaping future demand, while entrepreneur Carolyn Creswell will share lessons in resilience and growth within competitive retail markets, and agricultural consultant Dr Kate Burke will present data-driven approaches to improving orchard performance.
Visit https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/apal-industry-forum-and-awards-for-excellence-2026-tickets-1980345805614 to register for the APAL Industry Forum and the APAL Awards for Excellence presentation evening.
This article was first published in the Autumn 2026 edition of AFG.
