In today’s talking points: Australian wines win international award; Rural development through agricultural growth to become a priority in China; Townsville port exports first shipment of mangoes to Asia; Meeting paves the way for Australian apples in China
Southern Queensland’s Moffatdale Ridge wines are a perfect fit for the Chinese palate
Moffatdale Ridge winery took home five medals from the Wine Luxe International Awards – held in Hong Kong in December 2017. Each of the 500 wine and spirit entries from around the world were judged on their quality and suitability for the Chinese palate and cuisine by a panel of international sommeliers. Moffatdale Ridge is owned by Jason and Sue Kinsella – and speaking of the win Jason said, “To have won so many medals in arguably Asia’s most prestigious wine awards is fantastic. The Kinsella’s believe Asia’s market potential is important to the future of not only theirs, but other South Burnett wineries. According to Wine Australia’s latest export report, China is Australia’s largest wine export market, valued at $853 million and with a growth rate of 42 per cent over 2017.
Read more at: Trade & Investment Queensland
China to revitalise rural areas through agriculture
Rural development through agriculture looks set to be the focus of the upcoming 2018 Central Rural Work Conference. The Conference appears to build on strategy laid down at the 19th National Congress, which sought to prioritise development in rural areas and the standard of living there. Wen Tiejun, economist and professor at Renmin University, stated that green agricultural production would be a key focus of future plans, as it allows for both vitalisation in target areas as well as the addressing of past issues such as pollution.
Read more at: CCTV
First Townsville-Asia direct sea shipment of mangoes leaves port
The port of Townsville, Manbulloo and Mariana Express Lines all finished off the year on a high, after successfully dispatching the port’s inaugural direct sea shipment of mangoes to Asia. Manbulloo shipped R2E2 mangoes to Asia, but is known domestically as Australia’s largest grower of Kensington Pride, or “Bowen” mangoes. The 3,250 cartons of R2E2 mangoes left in refrigerated containers, bound for a journey along a meticulously planned supply-chain. The team at Manbulloo worked closely with shipping and stevedoring companies to ensure that the mangoes were minimally handled, by packing them directly into the refrigerated container at the packhouse. Lilian Auvaa, Line Manager of Mariana Express Lines said that being part of a direct and reliable Asian supply-chain solution was an “extremely proud moment for the company.”
Read more at: Trade & Investment Queensland
China looks to increase Australian apple imports
Executives from Apple and Pear Australia (APAL) have entered talks with officials from the China Entry Exit Inspection and Quarantine Association and the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine regarding access to the Chinese market. The talks look set to build on current infrastructure and allow greater access for Australian suppliers. APAL Chief Executive Phil Turnbull hopes that by forming partnerships, Australian grown apples will be able to be marketed as a premium product in a competitive market.
Read more at: Fruitnet