Greater Shepparton City Council to return to Asian fruit show

The event involves the entire fresh produce industry and related companies, and bills itself as offering opportunities to make contacts and gather market information on every aspect of fresh produce trade throughout the Asian region.

Council said hosting a stand at the event allowed it to support the region’s horticultural industry and market the region as the fruit capital of Australia and a place to invest in and do business with.

“Greater Shepparton is the food bowl of Australia,” City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Shane Sali said.

“A total of 25 per cent of Victoria’s agriculture is grown here, and our exports generate $2.5 billion per year.

“It is a major industry for our region, and council will continue to support our local growers to ensure their ongoing growth on a global scale.”

Councillors approved sending a delegation to the 2024 event during their meeting on December 19.

“Having a dedicated stand at the 2024 event is a worthwhile exercise to continue to grow and promote our expansive horticultural offering,” Cr Sali, who attended the 2023 event, said.

“We have been told by local growers that council’s attendance, in addition to providing a trade stand, allows them to hold their meetings at a site, giving them an enhanced level of credibility among their competition.”

Cr Sali said in 2023, local growers used the stand for trade negotiations, and “it was a huge success with several contracts signed as a result of the opportunity”.

Council said many opportunities resulted from the 2023 delegation, including:

“We look forward to seeing what can be achieved at [this] year’s expo,” Cr Sali said.

The 2024 event will be held from September 4 to 6.