On June 26, 2023, Toan Phat Irradiation (TPI) successfully irradiated the first batch of fresh seedless lemons for export to New Zealand.

After becoming an official partner of the New Zealand Ministry of Agriculture, recognized as qualified to irradiate fresh fruits for export to this market, Toan Phat Irradiation has begun processing the first order of irradiated fresh seedless lemons from Hoang Kim Vietnam Import-Export Company Limited.

The first batch of fresh seedless lemons exported to New Zealand was irradiated at TPI

To ensure that the lemons meet the import standards in New Zealand, the Quarantine Officers conducted rigorous quality checks on the product. The seedless lemon batch successfully met the requirements for phytosanitary inspection from New Zealand, including the specified weight, size, and adherence to packaging regulations for importation into the country.

Quarantine Officers conducted quality inspections on the product

Lemons have the advantage of being easy to transport when exported to foreign markets. However, they have a short shelf life and can harbor microorganisms that can affect the product quality. Therefore, for fresh lemons exported to New Zealand, it is regulated that they undergo irradiation with a minimum dose of 400 Gy to ensure safety and extend the shelf life of the product. Through the standardized inspection and irradiation process at TPI, it helps control harmful species and prevent foodborne illnesses caused by microorganisms, thereby adding commercial value to agricultural products and enhancing the competitiveness of export businesses when entering the international market.

The inspection and irradiation process at TPI helps control pests, prevent foodborne illnesses caused by microorganisms, and extend the shelf life of agricultural products

In New Zealand, the restaurant and hotel industry is thriving, which is why the importation of lemons into the country has been successful and considered one of Vietnam's successful agricultural exports. Vietnamese lemons have been referred to as "blue gold" in New Zealand due to their relatively high selling price. Since lemons cannot be grown locally, they are highly valued, with prices exceeding 50 NZD per kilogram, equivalent to 31.1 USD (approximately 700,000 Vietnamese dong). This information was shared by New Zealand Ambassador Tredene Dobson (March 2023, Vnexpress).

By adhering to these considerations, Vietnamese businesses can successfully export lemons and pomelos to New Zealand.

According to the Plant Protection Department (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development), Vietnamese lemons (Citrus aurantiifolia, Citrus latifolia, Citrus limon, Citrus limonia) and pomelos are allowed to be imported into New Zealand (since November 15, 2022) if they meet the following requirements:

- Registration of growing region and packing facility codes with the Plant Protection Department, as notified to New Zealand authorities.

- The orchards must be managed for pest control.

- Fruits must be washed and thoroughly cleaned after harvesting.

- They must undergo irradiation with a minimum dose of 400 Gy.

- Export shipments must be accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate, including additional declaration.

- They must be free from specific pests of concern to New Zealand. Specifically:

+ Lemons: Diaphorina citri; Nipaecoccus viridis, Planococcus kraunhiae, Planococcus minor; Scirtothrips dorsalis; Bactrocera carambolae, Bactrocera dorsalis and Bactrocera zonata

+ Pomelos: Diaphorina citri; Nipaecoccus viridis, Planococcus kraunhiae, Planococcus kraunhiae, Planococcus minor; Scirtothrips dorsalis; Tetranychus kanzawai; Bactrocera carambolae, Bactrocera correcta, Bactrocera dorsalis, Bactrocera zonata, Zeugodacus cucurbitae, Zeugodacus tau.

Toan Phat Irradiation applies three advanced irradiation technologies: Cobalt-60, E-Beam, and X-Ray

Fresh lemons are the fifth type of fruit from Vietnam to be officially exported to the New Zealand market. In addition to lemons, Toan Phat Irradiation will continue to process irradiation orders for other fruits such as pomelos, mangoes, dragon fruits, and rambutans for Vietnamese agricultural export businesses, aiming to conquer the New Zealand market and increase the economic value of both the companies and the country.

Toan Phat Irradiation

Hotline: (+84) 92 452 1888 | (+84) 92 452 3888

Phone: (+84) 272 378 6888

Email: thongtin@tpirr.vn | tiepnhan@tpirr.vn

Address: Block A24-1, Ngang 1st Street, Phu An Thanh Industrial Park, An Thanh Commune, Ben Luc District, Long An Province, Vietnam