Key speakers, Kurt Huang and Laurie Smith, are expected to provide expert information to the expanding number of Australian growers exporting oranges and mandarins.

China has become the highest valued export market for Australian citrus, and its demand has helped raise Australian export volumes and value to record levels.

Citrus Australia CEO, Judith Damiani, says more Australian growers have registered to export their produce and want information to help them meet the requirements of this important market.

“We have a 60% increase in citrus hectares registered for China compared to last year, so we may be able to meet more of the overwhelming demand this year,” she says. “Chinese consumers have demonstrated their preference for high quality Australian citrus, which is exciting for our industry. Keynote addresses by Kurt and Laurie will provide our growers further insight into what these consumers require.”

Huang’s company provides a fresh fruit import clearance service in Shanghai, and his main office is located in the Shanghai Huizhan Fruit & Vegetable Market, the biggest imported fruit wholesale market in East China.

Smith has over thirty years’ experience in international corporate, advisory and government roles. He was based in Asia (Guangzhou, Beijing, Taipei and Shanghai) for a total of eighteen years across three decades before returning to Sydney in 2011 where he headed Austrade's international network for four years.

Austrade’s Vanessa Perez, based in the South East Asian mega-city of Manila, will share the latest opportunities for fresh produce for the growing middle-class in The Philippines.

South East Asia is becoming the third great emerging driver of global prosperity after China and India.

Other speakers and panels will explore current and future trends in the export, domestic and juice sectors.

Other highlights of the Forum include:

• Tree planting and production trends over the next ten years;
• Export market performance, challenges and opportunities;
• Domestic market trends and new developments;
• Prospects for new juice products and juice export;
• Delegate prize draw to win an escorted trip to Spain, courtesy of MAF Oceania.

For more on the forum, visit www.citrusaustralia.com.au, or download the program and registration form here.