Vegetable exports increased to over $270 million in 2014-15, up from $256 million in 2013-14, with key markets in Asia and the Middle East contributing to growth in the value of Australian vegetable exports.

“Since 2013-14, Australian vegetable exports to Singapore and the United Arab Emirates have increased by 29 per cent and 24 per cent respectively,” said AUSVEG National Manager – Export Development, Michael Coote.

“The export value of a range of vegetables has increased in several overseas markets, which is encouraging news to Australian growers who often grow a variety of commodities,” he said. “Overall, there have been increases in exports for key vegetable commodities, such as carrots, which experienced an export value increase of 10 per cent, and the cauliflower and broccoli category, where export value rose by 60 per cent. Australia’s high quality vegetables are highly sought after, with growing middle class populations in Asia and projected growth in the food sector in the UAE stimulating increased demand for a greater variety of Australian vegetables.”

Over the past couple of years, AUSVEG reported that it has been developing a strong programme in the area of market development, introducing around 150 supermarket and wholesale buyers to Australian growers and also organising trade missions made up of growers to events in Dubai, Japan, Indonesia and Hong Kong.

“It is imperative that we build our export markets as this will serve to reduce pressure on the domestic industry which is already over-supplied with produce. Australian vegetable growers have limited opportunities to increase their revenue streams in the domestic market. Developing export markets are a prime opportunity for growers to increase their profitability, where there is an increasing demand for premium quality produce,” Coote said. “With more than 600 million people living to our north, huge opportunities await Australian producers as market access opportunities are created.”

Countries such as South Korea, New Zealand and Malaysia have increased their demand for Australian vegetables, with exports in these countries rising steadily.

Coote said, “Australia has a reputation as a world-leading producer of clean, green and safe vegetables, and local growers can use this reputation to access international markets to sell their produce.”

AUSVEG suggested that the recently-signed Free Trade Agreements with China, South Korea and Japan should also assist Australian growers to increase vegetable exports over time. 

Vegetable industry export development activities are funded through Horticulture Innovation Australia using vegetable levy funds and matched funds from the Australian Government.