RIVERLAND citrus growers have plenty of reasons to smile, with exports to China likely to double this year, according to Citrus Australia market development manager Andrew Harty.
"In order to send fruit to China, growers have to register and be certified under our KCT - standing for Korea, China, Thailand - program," Mr Harty said.
"We know that from the amount of the registrations this year, the volume of exports into China could double."
Australian citrus exports to China were valued at $21 million in 2013 - $13m in oranges and $8.5m worth of mandarins - in a market where Australia had no presence as recently as 2011.
Speaking at the Citrus Australia SA Regional Forum in Waikerie on Monday, Mr Harty said the Chinese market presented a growth opportunity on a scale the industry had never seen before.
"It's a market that has many segments, and places a huge value on imported product as it is seen as healthy and safe," he said.
The result would continue the extraordinary growth achieved in China in recent times, with 9100 tonnes of Australian oranges exported to the world's most populous nation from April to December last year - an increase of 288 per cent by volume and 392pc in value on the same period in 2012.
Jacinta Rose
Stock Journal's online editor.
Stock Journal's online editor.
