Carrots are king

Exports of Australian vegetables have experienced an average growth rate of 10% per year for the last five years with carrots being the best performer in 2017, increasing to 110,000 tonnes at a value of AU$91 million.

Carrots, onions and potatoes currently account for over 60% of total vegetable export value and over 80% of vegetable export volume. Carrots continued to be the best-performing vegetable export in 2017. The top markets for Australian vegetables are Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, Japan, Malaysia and Hong Kong.

Significant private investment is underway in the vegetable sector to boost production and exports. This private investment is being strongly supported by vegetable levy investments through Hort Innovation including projects driving industry capability.

“The industry is well on its way to reach the ambitious target of AU$315 million in fresh vegetable exports by 2020 as outlined by the industry’s export strategy. We are working with growers to ensure they have the skills and know-how to improve their ability to export their produce and capitalise on increasing demand for fresh, Australian-grown vegetable produce,” said AUSVEG National Manager – Export Development Michael Coote.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/Natika