Vietnam, Australia have growing appetites for each other's fresh produce: CEO

The Vietnamese market has developed a growing appetite for Australian fresh produce, and likewise Australians are increasingly interested in trying exotic fruits grown in Vietnam, said Claire McClelland, CEO of Australian Fresh Produce Alliance.

McClelland was on a trip with a delegation of Australia’s largest fruit and vegetable producers to Vietnam on October 11-13 with the support of the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Australia-Vietnam diplomatic relations.

Vietnam currently has market access to Australia for mango, lychee, longan and dragon fruit, and its export volumes have been growing steadily. This growth is the result of a sustained effort by both countries' governments to deliver new and improved market access for fresh produce.

"Vietnam holds great promise for Australian fresh produce, and we are committed to exploring avenues for growing two-way trade. This time in Hanoi allows us to engage in a meaningful dialogue with Vietnamese industry representatives, celebrate the significant milestones achieved to date, and continue to drive mutually beneficial trade," said McClelland.

During its trip, Australian Fresh Produce Alliance (AFPA) hosted the Vietnam-Australia Fresh Produce Networking Event in Hanoi which brought together Australian and Vietnamese industry representatives and officials to celebrate the growing trade and discuss new areas for cooperation.

"Increasing fresh produce trade is of great benefit to both nations. The Vietnamese market seems to have a growing appetite for Australian fresh produce and likewise Australians are increasingly interested in trying exotic fruits grown in Vietnam,” said McClelland.

During the trade mission, the delegation visited Vietnamese wholesale markets, retail stores, and engaging with local industry representatives. This hands-on approach provided valuable insights into Vietnam's unique market and consumer preferences.

The AFPA delegation represented a cross-section of Australia’s fresh produce industry, including representatives from Australia’s apple and pear, berries, summerfruit and table grape peak industry bodies.

Two-way trade between Australia and Vietnam from July 2022 to June 2023 reached over $23 billion, and growth in horticulture trade by both countries over the past several years is contributing to this increase, according to Austrade.

Chris Morley, Austrade commissioner in Hanoi, shared that for agrifood, forest and fishery products, Australia's two-way trade with Vietnam from July 2022 to June 2023 was $4.07 billion, an increase of 38.3% year-on-year. Of the amount, two-way trade value in fruits and nuts was $232 million.

“We are looking forward to a bright future of two-way fresh produce trade, especially as our two governments are actively negotiating for new market access opportunities for Vietnamese passionfruit and pomelo, and Australian blueberries and plums,” said Morley.