Evaluation of the potential to expand horticultural industries in Northern Australia

Summary

Northern Australia has long been regarded as an important gateway to the Asian market. However, due to Australia’s focus on supplying the domestic market, horticultural industries in the region have yet to take full advantage of international market opportunities.

The Evaluation of the potential to expand horticultural industries in Northern Australia project has undertaken an assessment of the production and supply capacity of the horticultural industry in northern Australia (i.e. north QLD, NT and WA), and sought to match that with the market and logistical dynamics of imported mangoes, avocados and lychees in targeted Asian markets.

This report seeks to provide an evidence base for decisions on the expansion of exports of high-value horticultural products (mangoes, lychees and avocados) from Northern Australia to high margin Asian markets by integrating market dynamics and supply capacity with efficient and innovative value chains.

The research informing this report was conducted through the combination of a stakeholder workshop, desktop analysis of production, trade and market data, and in-depth field discussions with industry bodies, growers and exporters in northern Australia and importers, wholesalers and retailers in Hong Kong, Singapore and China.

The objective of the research is to create a growth stimulus across horticultural industries in Northern Australia by matching new developments in the industry new international market opportunities. This project evaluates three horticultural industries (lychee, avocado and mango) in Northern Australia and will assess what opportunities exist to expand into new high margin, targeted Asian markets by undertaking comprehensive market assessments across key countries and locations. The intent is to work within a cooperative framework with Northern Australia’s horticultural growers, researchers and peak industry bodies and provide key market information to inform and strategically support their future decision making, while ensuring growth in both volume and return. The outputs of the study will also provide guidance on where to support strategic development actions within industry and to direct major investments for Horticultural Innovation in Northern Australia.