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Red-flesh grapefruit beginning to star

14 July 2009

Western Australia’s red-flesh grapefruit industry is growing rapidly with exports this season nearly doubling as new markets are secured for the fruit.

Department of Agriculture and Food tropical fruits specialist Peter Johnson said thanks to the work of the department and commercial operator, Rewards Group Limited, exports had grown in new and existing markets including the European Union, Russia, Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan this season.

“The department and the Rewards Group has also worked with Horticulture Australia Limited to develop new export supply chain protocols to ensure that fruit can be delivered in excellent condition, while meeting quarantine requirements of overseas markets,” Mr Johnson said.

“Market access was gained for Taiwan and China in June, following acceptance of a cold disinfestation protocol for Mediterranean and Queensland fruit flies.”

Mr Johnson said cultivation of top quality red-flesh grapefruit was proven possible by the department about 10 years ago by trials on the Frank Wise Research Station at Kununurra.
 
“Future export opportunities for red-flesh grapefruit looked very promising, with a distinct market window for Kununurra-grown fruit between the end of the United States’ season in December-January and the opening of the South African season in mid-May.

“Due to ideal growing conditions our quality is second to none, but once South African fruit arrives on world markets we find it difficult to compete,” he said.

Rewards Group Limited managing director Dr Andrew Radomiljac said its Kununurra orchards yielded about 1,500 tonnes this year.

“Six hundred tonnes were sold overseas, doubling the level of Australian exports from 2008 and making them the largest grower in the country,” Dr Radomiljac said.

“The rest of the crop has sold locally, mainly through supermarkets. Our crop should approach 10,000 tonnes by 2015 as trees mature, but it is still small compared with world markets.”

Department of Agriculture and Food development officer Peter Johnson shows off some delicious red-flesh grapefruit grown in Kununurra.

Media contacts:
Peter Johnson, development officer, 9166 4026
Andrew Radomiljac, Rewards Group, 9324 1155
Katrina Bowers/Lisa Bertram, media liaison, 9368 3937/9368 3325