Pipfruit sector's huge economic impact
OPINION: When we set out to document the economic impact of New Zealand's apple and pear industry, we expected to see a trickle-down effect somewhere along the way.
Apples and Pears NZ (A&PNZ) has just played a significant facilitation role in getting growers in touch with key overseas markets at a huge trade show in Asia.
In conjunction with NZ Trade and Enterprise and Food Research, A&PNZ organised a stand at the prestigious Asia Fruit Logistica trade show recently held in Hong Kong. The event is held annually and is seen as an important event for exporters to attend.
It is a massive event that attracts more than 13,000 trade visitors from 70 countries, including NZ. This year was the biggest event Asia Fruit Logistica has run since Covid with a record 700 exhibitors on the site, which is near Hong Kong's airport.
A&PNZ's market access manager Danielle Adsett attended the event to support smaller operators who based themselves at the NZ Pavillion. Larger NZ companies had their own stands. She told Hort News there were people at the show from America, China, Europe and South America - including Chile.
"The NZ pavilion was set up for exporters who couldn't afford the significant cost of setting up their own stands. At our pavilion they had their own areas and desks where they could meet with their customers, partners and suppliers and do business for the coming season," she says.
Adsett says there were six companies based at the NZ pavilion and it worked well. She says everyone on the stand was busy.
"Without doubt our exporters have done a fantastic job at continuing to work with their partners and buyers, as it's been a tough couple of years."
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