Canned Fruit Production in Australia (2019)

Canned Fruit Overview

Canned fruit is a complete combination of fruits that belong to various categories. They are predominantly pineapples, peaches and pears. Moreover, the majority of this fruit is found within Australia within close proximity to the canning processors. Moreover, the Canned Fruits Industry Council of Australia has been established to look after the safety of the canned fruit producers and consumers. Additionally, they also look after the funding and biosecurity initiatives that are presented. Nonetheless, there are some pests that can harm the successful growth of these type of fruits. Some of these insects may be identified as almond seed wasp, banana spider mite, brown-headed leaf roller and the Carambola fruit fly. Despite the threats in production, this particular industry is quite popular in Australia.

Industry Overview

1. In 2017–18 production of this fruit was valued at $19.3 million (LVP), with exports valued at $6.7 million.
2. Fruit production of the varieties represented by Canned Fruits Industry Council of Australia (apples, apricots, peaches, pears and plums) occurs from December to May, with volumes of 35,000 to 40,000 tonnes processed annually.
3. The industry represents more than 110 fruit growing businesses and one processor.
4. The deciduous fruit business is primarily based in the Goulburn-Murray Valley region of Victoria, processing Australian apples, apricots, peaches, pears and plums at Shepparton.
5. This booming industry does not have a specific biosecurity plan or manual but has developed plans and manuals for the pome fruit (apple and pear) and stone fruit (summer fruit) industries with PHA and governments.

Statistics

1. 56,845 tonnes of fresh fruit was produced in order to undergo the canning process.
2. The value of the fresh fruit production that was grown for canning was $19.3 million. However, the wholesale value of the supply was $175.8 million.
3. The supply per capita was recorded at 2.8 kg, based on the volume that was supplied.

Major Canned Fruit Production Areas

Fruits that are grown for canning purposes are grown all across Australia. This is because there are various types of fruits that fall under this category. The majority of the pineapples are grown in the Sunshine Coast and Yeppoon region of Queensland. Peaches, apricots and pears are also grown in the Goulburn Valley.

Processed Canned Fruit International Trade

As of June 2019, Australia imported approximately 33,137 tonnes of this fruit. The table below portrays the imports and exports of the year 2019.

Article by: Hari Yellina (Orchard Tech)