The visit was coordinated by the Victorian Government and Austrade Thailand who took the delegation to Shepparton, Swan Hill, Robinvale and Mildura to meet with growers and visit orchards and packing facilities across a number of commodities.

APAL provided a presentation, delivered at the Victorian Government’s Horticulture Centre of Excellence in Tatura, which gave an overview of the national crop of apples and pears and shared an insight into the Australian domestic market. The Thai retailers were invited to use and adopt some of the key marketing ideas in order to grow the apple and pear markets in their respective stores. They were also provided with the latest version of APAL’s exporter’s directory.

The visitors included:

• Ms. Supavadee Nimmanakait – Assistant Vice President Import Produce Central Food Retail (TOPS Supermarket)
• Mr. Nuttawut Sinutok – Managing Director, Global Trade & Distribution Co. Ltd
• Ms. Wannee Poebaikul – General Manager, Global Trade & Distribution Co. Ltd
• Ms. Malinee Suesutthikul – Executive Director, Diva Studio Co. Ltd
• Mr. Sarot Assavapornchai – Managing Director, Super Fresh Import Export Co. Ltd
• Lapa Leelapeerapan – Category Technical Manager – Fresh, Tesco Thailand ( Ek-Chai Distribution System Co. Ltd)
• Thipwadee Suwanying – Business Development Manager, Austrade

In 2015, Thailand was Australia’s third largest export market for apples. Considerable promotional support has been deployed to support pear sampling and tastings in the Thai market to increase the appreciation and understanding of Australia’s pears. Feedback from the event has been positive and hopefully some more exports of apples and pears will occur as a result.

APAL thanks to Owen Carter, Plunkett Orchards; Johnny Radevski, Radevski Coolstores; Chris Georgopoulos, GV Independent Packers; and Tim Nethersole, Jeftomson Orchards for their help and participation.

The event was funded by Austrade Thailand and the Victorian Government.

Source: Olivia Tait, Market Development Manager, APAL