MIchael Crisera from Fruit Growers Victoria on the stand at Fruit Logistica.
Greater Shepparton, the Fruit Capital of Australia, was on show at Asia Fruit Logistica in Hong Kong last week, the premier trade event for fresh produce across the Asia-Pacific.
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Greater Shepparton City Council, alongside Fruit Growers Victoria, hosted a trade stand at the expo across three days, Wednesday 3 to Friday 5 September 2025, providing an opportunity to support the region’s horticulture industry, showcase Greater Shepparton’s high-quality produce, and promote local export opportunities across the globe.
The region was well represented with the Mayor, Chief Executive Officer, Council’s Manager Economic Development, representatives from Fruit Growers Victoria, and more than 25 local growers and supply-chain representatives ensuring a strong regional delegation.
The visit also included a trip to Shenzhen, China for the Victorian Fruit Growers Network event, in partnership with Global Victoria. This event provided an opportunity to connect with Chinese representatives to build new trade relationships that could offer export opportunities for the region’s growers.
From left, Michael Crisera from Fruit Growers Victoria, Australia’s consul general in Hong KOng, Gareth Williams, Shepparton council CEO, Fiona Le Gassick and mayor, Cr Shane Sali in Hong Kong.
Michael Crisera from Fruit Growers Victoria said the expo provided a platform to connect with industry leaders and showcase Victoria’s growers on a global scale.
“Fruit Growers Victoria is the peak body for fruit growing, packing and exporting businesses across the region and having a strong presence at Asia Fruit Logistica was the ideal platform as it brought together thousands of fresh produce buyers, growers and industry experts from around the world,” he said.
“The expo provided a valuable platform to showcase the Goulburn Valley’s premium fruit, promote the region’s strengths, and highlight the quality and dedication of our growers. It was also a fantastic opportunity to develop new business contacts, explore export opportunities and stay up to date with the latest global market trends and innovations.”
The value of Greater Shepparton’s agricultural output exceeds $729 million annually, with fruit production representing nearly half of that.
“Attending Asia Fruit Logistica once again showed the importance of horticultural in our region. It was a productive three days with dedicated people wanting to advance positive outcomes for our region,” Mayor, Cr Shane Sali said.
“Greater Shepparton’s presence provided our local growers with credibility and connection in a highly competitive international market, while supporting the ongoing development of trade partnerships across Asia.”
“The visit to Shenzhen, China was an extremely worthwhile addition to the trip, allowing us to connect directly with Chinese representatives in a bid to unlock new trade relationships for our local growers,” Cr Sali said.
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Michael Crisera from Fruit Growers Victoria shares some GV fruit with visitors to the trade show.