Unlocking growth: Aussie horticulture eyes Indian market

Australian growers are set to gain insights into the journey of their produce to India, with the aim to maintain quality and boost trade in the high-value market.

Commissioned by Hort Innovation and delivered by KPMG Australia, researchers will map the supply chain of horticultural products exported to India, identify the main opportunities and challenges, and recommend strategies to enhance the position of Australian products in the market.

The research is funded through a Federal Government Agricultural Trade and Market Access Cooperation (ATMAC) grant awarded to Hort Innovation, with the aim of getting more Australian produce to consumers around the world.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Murray Watt said 2024 would deliver new opportunities for the nation’s horticulture industry.

“Australia grows world-class produce, and we want to get it on more dinner plates right across the globe,” Minister Watt said.

“Last year I led a delegation to India with 12 senior members of Australian agribusiness to promote our high-quality produce and push for greater trade ties between the two countries. It is great to see these ties reflected in the growth of trade between Australia and India.

“With positive outcomes already emerging through the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement, India provides immense opportunity for Aussie growers and producers, with a young, growing population who value Australian produce.”

Hort Innovation chief executive Brett Fifield said India has never been more of a focus for produce exports.

“Growth in incomes, population, and urbanisation in India are projected to drive a substantial hike in premium agrifood consumption in the future,” Mr Fifield said.

“By 2050, significant increases are expected in import demand from India for fruit, vegetables and nuts, so now is the time for the Australian horticulture sector to better understand the Indian supply chain.

“One of Hort Innovation’s core imperatives is to accelerate local and global demand, and this project will set industry up for future success by equipping them with the intel they need to play in the Indian market.”

The Avolution chief executive Antony Allen said the avocado industry is primed to do business with India.

“With our early exports to India, we are already learning so much about this market and our customers. This study offers deeper insights that will help grow our partnership with India further,” Mr Allen said.

“The avocado industry is gearing up to make our mark on the Indian market after last year’s federal government announcement that Australian Hass avocados can now be exported to that market. We have got levy-funded promotions featuring former Australian cricketer Brett Lee scheduled for May to deliver positive messages about Aussie avos, sharing their virtues in terms of taste, nutrition and versatility.”

“The time is ripe for our exporting industries to capitalise on trade opportunities with India, and this report will provide us with a roadmap on where to focus our efforts and drive value for our sector.”

Key facts and figures:

• Last year, Australia exported over 30,000 tonnes of produce to India, which was an increase from nearly 15,000 tonnes in 2022.
• Currently, Australia has market access into India for the following products:  
  • Nut - Almond, macadamia, pistachio
  • Fruit - Apple, avocados, blueberry, cherry, citrus, dates, pear, summerfruit (Apricots, nectarines, peaches, plums) and table grape.
  • Vegetable - Chives, leeks, onions and shallots.
• While India is the second largest producer of fruit and vegetables in the world, it is also an expanding market for imported products. With growing focus on nutrition and health, Indian consumers are eating fresh fruit and vegetables more regularly. Australian exporters can benefit from our:
  • Image in India as clean and safe food producers
  • Complementary agriculture season
  • Existing trade reputation for fresh produce
  • Relatively close location allowing for faster shipping and fresher produce.