"The first nectarines will go by air from South Australia," explains John Moore, CEO of Summerfruit Australia. "We will then progressively work through to Woorinen and Swan Hill in the Sunraysia Region which is a main production area, then progress to another key region, Cobram, and the Goulburn Valley."

“All major importers in China have expressed interest in Australian nectarines, which will be sold as a premium product. We would hope that the exports would go for a premium price as the domestic market is depressed, due to over supply. At the moment there is a 10% tariff on the export but that will be reduced to zero in the next couple of years."

Australian growers have been preparing for this event over the last five years and have planted varieties to suit this market and appeal to Chinese consumers.

The nectarines have to meet certain protocols before they are allowed into China, this involves, In Transit Cold Treatment (ITCT) which places the fruit under below 3°C for at least eighteen days whilst in transit; this can also be done on shore for fruit going by air. A Low dose methyl bromide procedure can also be used, this only takes 5 1/2 hours - individual growers will choose their own method.

"These varieties have a high brix level and our growers know that the Chinese consumers like the white flesh, sub acid nectarines. There will also be some yellow flesh nectarines exported, as we know that the locals like these too," Moore said.

"Chinese domestic nectarine production is over 1 million tonnes, and Australia is a tenth of this production size and is counter-seasonal. Australian importers received two containers of Chinese nectarines this year and the industry was also looking at importing Chinese nectarines into Australia in a bid to develop and enhance these relationships within the Chinese industry. But inclement weather bought an early close to the Chinese season."

"We understand there are active discussions between the Australian and Chinese governments to allow plums, peaches and apricots in to China and we would similarly welcome these commodities from China into Australia," Moore concludes.