Australian plums were officially introduced to the Vietnamese market with launch events in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi on February 11 and 18.

Enjoy Australian plums in Vietnam

Two recent Australian plum launch events in Ho Chi Minh City on February 11 and in Hanoi on February 18, organized by Summerfruit Australia (an organization representing Australian summer fruit producers) and Horticulture Innovation Australia (HIA) (a non-profit research and development unit dedicated to Australian agricultural products), have brought Vietnamese consumers the opportunity to access Australian plums - a delicious, nutritious fruit.

In addition to gathering many key figures in the fresh fruit industry, the above events attracted the participation of more than 20 leading retailers, importers and fruit chains from across Vietnam. Representatives from the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade), representatives from the states of Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia in Vietnam, and KOL-KOCs interested in clean food, healthy lifestyles... The highlight of the event was the networking session with industry leaders, sharing information from Summerfruit Australia and tasting Australian plums, experiencing firsthand the natural sweetness and high vitamin content of this fruit.

Imported directly from high-quality Australian farms, Australian plums meet strict standards of freshness and food safety. The presence of Australian plums in Vietnam is expected to create a new trend in the imported fruit market, bringing consumers a premium product that stands out not only for its great taste but also for its abundant health benefits.

Horticulture Innovation is a non-profit research and development organization dedicated to the Australian agricultural industry. The organisation promotes Australia’s $16 billion agricultural industry through investment in research, development, marketing and trade, to create a prosperous and sustainable future for producers. Horticulture Innovation works with domestic and international partners, including government agencies, science, technology and consumer strategy experts, to address the challenges and opportunities of the future. Its mission is to ensure that all taxpayers benefit from these investments.

Summerfruit Australia is the organisation representing Australian summer fruit producers. Committed to quality, innovation and international expansion, the organisation works closely with producers, exporters and industry stakeholders to promote Australian fruit around the world.

Promoting bilateral trade

Ms. Liz Tran - spokesperson for Summerfruit Australia in Vietnam said: Australian plums are mainly grown in Victoria and South Australia, where the climate and soil conditions are ideal, producing high-quality fruit. Australian plums are rich in polyphenols, which help boost the immune system, support bone health and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Each plum provides 12% of the recommended daily vitamin C requirement, which helps boost the immune system and protect cells from free radical damage. Australian plums will arrive in Vietnam within 72 hours of harvest via air freight, ensuring optimal freshness. Sea shipments take about two weeks to arrive.

It is known that Australian plums have entered Vietnam under the bilateral agricultural market access agreement between the two countries, allowing Australian plums to enter Vietnam while Vietnamese passion fruit is imported into Australia, as confirmed by the Australian Government.

The diversity of Australian plums is sure to please diners. Photo: HM

According to Mr. Christopher Morley - Trade Counsellor of the Australian Government Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) in Vietnam: “Australia and Vietnam are strong bilateral partners, recently celebrating 50 years of diplomatic relations and upgrading the relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership and thanks to this relationship - it is no surprise that Australia and Vietnam are strong trading partners. Vietnam is Australia's 11th largest trading partner and Australia is Vietnam's 10th largest trading partner”.

Currently, only a few types of fresh fruit from Australia are allowed to be exported to Vietnam, including: Cherries, grapes, oranges, tangerines and summer fruits (peaches and nectarines).

Australian agriculture, fisheries and forestry exports to Vietnam are expected to be worth A$3.7 billion in the 2023-24 financial year, with stone fruit trade growing. This supports the agriculture sector’s goal of becoming an A$100 billion industry and the Australian horticulture sector’s goal of becoming an A$20 billion industry by 2030.

Vietnamese consumers can enjoy a wide range of plums, fresh or dried, including: Red Phoenix, Sugar Plum (dried plum) and many others at supermarkets and fresh fruit retailers nationwide such as: AEON, Annam Gourmet Market, E-mart, Kleverfuit, Tony Fruit, Top/Go Market and Winmart, and e-commerce platforms including Lazada and Shopee…

Australian plums have entered Vietnam under a bilateral agricultural market access agreement between the two countries, allowing Australian plums to enter Vietnam while Vietnamese passion fruit is imported into Australia, as confirmed by the Australian Government.

Source: Cong Thuong Newspaper