Ways to bolster dragon fruit exports to Oceanian nations assessed
The growing demand for fresh dragon fruit and products made from dragon fruit in the Australian and New Zealand markets moving into the post-COVID period is seen as a prime opportunity for local enterprises to promote the export of the item.
Dragon fruit represents a key Vietnamese export item to Australia and New Zealand.
According to Nguyen Thu Huong, representative of the Vietnam Trade Office in Australia, the nation’s fresh dragon fruit have been directly imported into Australia since 2017, with export value increasing every year.
In 2020, the country’s dragon fruit export turnover to Australia soared by 36%, while in 2021 due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, export growth fell but still surged by 14% to US$4.8 million, a figure higher than the overall growth of dragon fruit exports to other markets.
Similarly, in New Zealand, dragon fruit is one of three types of fruit granted a license to be imported into this potential market.
Vietnamese Ambassador in New Zealand Nguyen Van Trung noted that dragon fruit remains the nation’s most successful export fruit to New Zealand, enjoying constant growth since 2014.
Considering that Vietnamese dragon fruit export opportunities to New Zealand are quite open, Humphrey Lawrence, manager of imports procurement at MG Marketing of New Zealand, analyzed that consumer demand for dragon fruit after the COVID-19 pandemic has seen a sharp increase. Indeed, this can be put down to its eye-catching appearance and delicious taste.
Currently, the price of dragon fruit on the market remains good at between US$40 and US$45 per box of five kg, meaning Vietnamese producers are able to take advantage of this opportunity.
However, Lawrence also recommended that exporting enterprises must fully comply with standards and regulations set regarding dragon fruit exports by import markets. Simultaneously, they must ensure product quality after a long transportation period, with this being an issue that needs to be dealt with in order to prolong the time of preservation and consumption in the market, he went on to add.
Concerning conditions for importing dragon fruit into the Australian market, the representative of the Vietnam Trade Office in Australia stated that dragon fruit imports require a valid license issued by the Australian Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (DAWE).
"The demand for dragon fruit in Australia is very high. In addition to importing from Vietnam, the Australian Government is considering allowing the import of dragon fruit from the Philippines. The competition of this item in Australia is getting more and more fierce, requiring local businesses to ensure the strength of Vietnamese dragon fruit in the market," emphasized Nguyen Thu Huong.
Furthermore, in order for Vietnamese dragon fruit to become more available in these two high-end markets, experts stressed that export products must be designed specifically to meet the needs of the fastidious markets. This includes featuring appropriate packaging, while ensuring a stable supply in terms of both quality and quantity.
There should be a close connection between dragon fruit growers and importers from the initial stages, thereby helping the product to quickly meet requirements and standards that facilitate the export process.
