Australian Stonefruit Grower Magazine Issue 2 August 2016 | Page 25

Feature

USA vs China
While exports from California into Australia
increased in 2014, poor environmental conditions
and reduced consumer demand resulted in a
decline in 2015. As shown in the graph below,
imports have been forecast to increase again this
season, potentially rising to 8,000 tonnes.
However, the USA product is now facing
competition from another source – China. In
terms of world production, the USA is tiny
compared to China. Around 13.6million tonnes,
or two thirds of world production, of peaches
and nectarines are now grown in China.

Total Stonefruit Imports (tonnes)

Nectarines from China are now entering the
Australian market. Initial trials have been by
air-freight. However, as John Moore noted in
this magazine, sea-freighted nectarines are
now arriving. These are likely to be priced
significantly lower than the Californian fruit. How
they compare on quality has yet to be seen.
Moreover, there may be consumer reluctance to
purchase Chinese stonefruit; after several years
access Chinese apples remain under 1% of the
total Australian market.

Apricot cv. Diamond Cot. Photo: Mountain View Fruit

Pluot cv. Flavor Grenade. Photo: Mountain View Fruit

8000
6000
4000
2000
0

2013

2014
USA

2015
NZ

2016

Pluot cv. Apple Dandy. Photo: Mountain View Fruit

China

One of the major issues is that fruit is likely to need
regrading on arrival, as firmness is liable to vary through
the load. Soft fruit is difficult to handle, and does not meet
the specifications of the major retailers.
However, new technologies such as modified
atmosphere shipping containers, ethylene blockers /
absorbers and selection of longer storing varieties, could
make sea freight more attractive in the future.
summerfruit.com.au

Plum cv. Black Beauty. Photo: Mountain View Fruit

august 2016 | Australian Stonefruit Grower

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