More than 150 representatives of Australian citrus gathered earlier this week in Sydney to hear the latest on the industry, including unlimited demand from China, new ways to market fruit and the exciting outlook for juice.
The Citrus Market Outlook Forum held on Tuesday and Wednesday included an impressive line-up of speakers, including Shanghai FruitDay Co-Founder Loren Zhao, China expert David Thomas, Nudie Juice CEO James Ajaka and 2013 PMA/Produce Plus Marketer of the Year winner Lisa Cork.
Citrus Australia Chief Executive Officer Judith Damiani says industry emerged from the Forum feeling positive about the future of Australian citrus.
“I told the Forum on Wednesday that if you have one new concept or contact that you can apply back to your business then it’s been worthwhile. Certainly the people I have spoken to have all gone away with much more than this.”
Judith says a session from marketer Lisa Cork was a crowd favourite. Lisa revealed to industry how they could make their labels and boxes work for them 24/7. “I know there are a lot of people talking about reviewing and rethinking about how they present packages to their customers," says Judith.
Full coverage of the event will be featured in the next two editions of Australian Citrus News and on the Citrus Australia website. Some of the highlights include:
• The crop forecast is up on most varieties except Imperials and Afourers
• Exciting progress on Free Trade Agreements with China and Japan
• Right now it’s about using Chinese currency RMB
• We need patience and process when dealing with China
• Forecasting is better for shipping companies
• Use social media and guerrilla marketing to grow sales exponentially
• New frontiers for citrus packaging
