$6m Boost To Qld Mango Exports To Japan

Primary Industries Minister Henry Palaszczuk announced today up to a $6 million per annum boost to Queensland mango exports from Japan's decision to accept four more mango varieties.

Mr Palaszczuk said the decision further expanded and diversified the local mango industry's export markets, while providing a longer export season to the high-value Japanese market.

"It will put Queensland mangoes on the retail shopping shelves in Japan for longer."

Mr Palaszczuk said the move would lead to up to an additional 600 tonnes of Queensland mangoes exported to Japan within four years.

"Research undertaken by the State Government has been pivotal to opening the trade doors to Japan for R2E2, Kent, Keitt and Palmer mangoes from Australia to enter Japan after an approved fruit fly disinfestation treatment," he said.

"Up until now, the Japanese market has only been open to heat-treated Kensington Pride or Bowen variety mangoes."

Kensington Pride mangoes are available from October to January, while the R2E2 variety is available from December to January, while Keitt and Palmer varieties are available from January to late March. The Kent variety is available from November to March.

Mr Palaszczuk paid tribute to the Tableland Economic Development Corporation, which with the Queensland Department of Primary Industries and industry, initiated the project.

Queensland accounts for about 80% of Australia's total mango production.

Other major export markets for Australian mangoes include Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Malaysia and France.

In the 1998/1999 season, mango exports totalled 200 tonnes. Exports this season are expected to top 500 tonnes.

Mr Palaszczuk said mangoes sold to Japan were required to be perfect in appearance, flavour and smell, but could attract a return three times the average export value of mangoes sold to other countries.

"Increased mango exports would improve the economics of the post harvest handling and distribution system, and generate more air freight for flights between Queensland and Japan," Mr Palaszczuk said.

Mr Palaszczuk said the heat treatment method, developed by DPI researchers disinfested the fruit of fruit flies without damaging the fruit.

"The treatment was formally submission to the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries by the Australian Quarantine Inspection Service in Canberra, and accepted after a supervised verification trial during the 1998-1999 mango season," he said.

Mr Palaszczuk said the announcement highlighted the opportunities for growth and export expansion for the Queensland horticulture industry and the success of inter-agency teamwork to gain market access.

"Markets such as Japan, the USA, China and the European Union are large, with substantial segments of high income consumers," Mr Palaszczuk said.

Other recent export successes achieved by DPI achieved in recent weeks include access for Sydney Rock Oysters produced at Moreton Island growing area to Japan and access to the lucrative Taiwanese market for Queensland asparagus.

Media contact: Kirby Anderson (0407)692798

Further information: Michael Daysh, DPI Queensland Horticulture Institute manager (Industry Market Development): (61) 07 4044 1613