Riverking, one of China's leading avocado importers, is set to take part in a trade visit to Queensland from 25 to 26 June. Riverking's avocado procurement leaders will visit some of Queensland's leading avocado growers, packers and exporters located in and around Bundaberg. Some of the visits planned will be to Simpson Farms, Costa Group and Donovan Avocados. The aim of the visit is to learn about Australia's production practices and further build strategic alliances with stakeholders involved in the Australian avocado industry.
Riverking are an innovative fruit importer and last year they completed their build of new avocado ripening facilities in Shanghai to support the accelerating growth of avocados in China. China has just surpassed Japan as the largest avocado importer in Asia.
The visit will be organised by Avocados Australia in collaboration with the Queensland Department of Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries, and Trade and Investment Queensland. Riverking delegates will have the opportunity to participate in important discussions with representatives from these organisations.
Riverking previously toured Western Australian avocado growers' orchards and packhouses late last year and met with Western Australian Agriculture Minister Jackie Jarvis. This time they are focussed on the eastern coast. According to Avocados Australia's "Facts At A Glance" Report, Queensland continues to produce the majority of Australian avocados with 65% of production coming from that state in 2022-23*. Given the growth expected over the next few years, gaining access to China is a critically important outcome for industry.
Avocados Australia's CEO, John Tyas, sees this as a special opportunity to show the industry as leading providers of quality avocados demonstrating a commitment to best practices and service delivery.
