MARCH 2015 / VOLUME NINETEEN

MESS-TIVAL Celebrating the start of summer – mango style SEASON REVIEW A different perspective of the 2014/15 mango season ELECTRICITY SAVINGS Tips for cutting electricity costs

AUTUMN ISSUE Australia’s Finest Mangoes CONTENTS 4 CEO & CHAIRMAN REPORTS 6 REGION UPDATES 8 INDUSTRY SNAPSHOT 10th Australian Mango Conference Harvesting mangoes in February? Mango crop forecast 14 IN FOCUS Steve and Claire Moxham 16 SPOTLIGHT ON THE Another Great Northern Territory MARKETPLACE Season Review Business Opportunity 22 MANGO MARKETING Mess-tival This profitable Pine Creek Mango Plantation Inaugral Grower Market Tour Social Media and Australia Day Produces the earliest mangoes 26 RESEARCH & POLICY Quality project to align The owners are ready to retire industry standards Could flies prevent fruit drop? Cutting your electricity costs 31 MANGOES AROUND THE WORLD FOR SALE BY TENDER PAGE 28 Exports to be discussed at Conference HOW TO CUT YOUR ELECTRICITY Australian mangoes in the US Tender Closing Date: 15 MAY 2015, @ 2 pm Darwin Time COSTS AND MAKE IT LOOK EASY! Australian mangoes in South We look at key recommendations from the FOR SALE Korea for Australia Day Watts in Your Business report conducted through Apple and Pear Australia Ltd (APAL). Cover image courtesy of Lisa Musico, For moreCheck out information the video on youtube! go to our website photographer at Mess-tival Publication design by Fresh Republic tohttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kpBWGNx83ss view this property on youtube www.freshrepublic.com.au ARE YOU A Contact David or Barbara Loveridge Ph: (08) 8984 4011 AMIA Contact Details Office Address: Unit 2, The Fresh Centre, Brisbane Markets MEMBER OF AMIA? Darwin Postal Address: PO Box 376, Brisbane Markets QLD 4106 Phone: 07 3278 3755 Fax: 07 3278 4761 Nhulunbuy Email: [email protected] Become a member and support the L.M.P.A. Business Services Australian Mangoes: www.mangoes.net.au AMIA: www.industry.mangoes.net.au Australian mango industry. Without Mango Matters is published using mango grower levies which are matched by the the support of its members, AMIA is L.M.P.A. Business Services Australian Government through Horticulture Innovation Australia. limited in the important work it does Telephone: (08) 8984 4011 • Facsimile: (08) 8984 4954 Disclaimer: This publication is produced upon the understanding that no responsibility is accepted by AMIA, for you and the mango industry. M PA “The Retreat”, 105 Pheasant Drive, McMinns Lagoon,Darwin NT it’s Directors and Officers and the Editor for any opinions, claims, statements made and views expressed in any edition of Mango Matters and associated material (for example Conference Proceedings, Industry Reports). Please contact the AMIA office for Readers should rely on their own inquiries when making decisions concerning their interests. All material in the Email: [email protected] • Website: www.lmpa.com.au Email: [email protected] a membership application form, or Established magazine is copyright. Reproduction in whole or part is not permitted without the written permission of the editor. 1971 Phone: (08) 8984 4011 Web: WWW.LMPA.COM.AU download a copy from our website: PO Box 38421, Winnellie NT 0821 industry.mangoes.net.au Tennant Creek (Marketing Consultants, Licensed Real Estate, Business Agents & Auctioneers) Marketing Consultants, Licensed Real Estate, Business Agents & Auctioneers MANGO MATTERS MARCH 2015 AUTUMN 2015 PAGE 3 L.M.P.A. for World Wide Marketing, Purchasing, Sales & Valuation Services Alice Springs CHAIRMAN’S CEO’S REPORT REPORT

The marketing team outdid themselves MANGO QUALITY available for growers with less than 1,000 Scholarship. Han will research alternate at the end of last year with the most trees. AMIA members receive a $250 per and cost effective control measures for successful Mess-tival yet. Mess-tival is the The mango quality project has been a person discount on registration fees to the combating flying vermin, including Magpie most important event on the marketing focus of AMIA as the benefit it can provide 10th Australian Mango Conference for up to Geese and Flying Fox. Magpie Geese calendar and succeeded in securing to the industry is invaluable. I encourage two people from the member organisation. especially are having an increasing impact mangoes as Australia’s favourite fruit. you all to contact AMIA to share your views This discount has been extended to be on our growers. on the current industry standards, which will available to new members who join for Well done to the mango marketing team for Mess-tival again was a huge success be discussed at the Conference. 2015/16. This is a potential savings of $500, their efforts. and I, along with a few other growers, the same cost of your membership. In There were some surprising results from the had the pleasure of attending. It is a really addition, if you join before the conference Robert Gray CROP FORECASTING project’s research which will pave the way Gavin Scurr interesting day where we can interact with you will also receive membership for the Chief Executive Officer, AMIA for future research. The results also provide Chairman, AMIA the public about all things mango. Well The crop forecast has been widely invaluable information to growers and the remaining few months of the 2014/15 Email: [email protected] done to the mango marketing team for supported. I have received countless industry about what qualities make a great Email: [email protected] membership year. Mob: 0418 737 861 Mob: 0407 714 549 their efforts in creating the spectacle it positive remarks about the value of the tasting mango and how it can be achieved. information contained within it and how I would like to thank those who assisted was at Bondi Beach. I also encourage all Happy New Year from AMIA. The team has it was of benefit. Overall, the forecast It was great to see quality improve this year. with making mango exports to the US growers to attend this year as it is a very Congratulations to all on what has been a hit the ground running and are in full swing was quite accurate and indicates that 8.4 Hopefully this work will see quality continue a reality this season. As a group we enjoyable day. successful mango season. Overall quality overcame many challenges to make preparing the most memorable Australian million trays of mangoes were produced to improve. My thoughts are with those affected by this season was markedly improved the first shipments a success. Through Mango Conference yet. this season. We will continue to refine and Tropical Cyclones Marcia and Lam recently. compared to prior seasons, as was industry those involved we have learnt a lot about review the program for next season. HIA Although both of these cyclones went cohesiveness. I would like to thank Robert supplying this exciting market. This involved 10TH AUSTRALIAN MANGO through areas that don’t have a lot of I would like to thank Boyd Arthur for Horticulture Innovation Australia has come and his team for their hard work in keeping a lot of work for the growers and on behalf mango growers, they have had a significant CONFERENCE his hard work this season as Supply great steps since the last edition of Mango the industry informed and up to date of the industry I thank them for their efforts. Development Manager, and thankyou to all with what was happening throughout the impact on those who were in their paths. I The 10th Australian Mango Conference will Matters. We are now looking forward to the those who contributed information to the supply chain. Their effort in keeping our key Congratulations to our Board Director wish you all the best on the road ahead. be held in Darwin from the 25th to the 28th new Board making decisions about future crop forecast. projects on track during the season has for Northern Western Australia and the May. At the conference, we will celebrate levy investment for the mango industry. I’m looking forward to catching up with you allowed us to achieve the best results for Northern Territory, Han Shiong Siah, our achievements, collaborate to unite as at the Conference. our industry. who was awarded a Nuffield Farming a strong industry and create our future. MY MANGO TROPICAL CYCLONES MARCIA Make sure you register and join us so you AMIA’s weekly season update has been put AND LAM The AMIA team will have a busy run up to don’t miss out. If you’re not already an to bed for the season. You will now continue the 10th Australian Mango Conference and We wish all of those affected Tropical AMIA member, the Board have extended to receive The Slice during the off-season the AGM, to be held in Darwin in May. The Cyclone Marcia and Tropical Cyclone Lam the current offer of a $250 discount on until My Mango starts up again at the conference promises to be a spectacle, all the best in their recovery. registration for up to two people from a beginning of next season. and I am looking forward to meeting with A NEW DIRECTION member organisation, so join AMIA for the each of you. It is your opportunity to be part 2015/16 year to receive the discounted of the important discussions that will shape registration. the future of our industry. I encourage FOR AUSTRALIAN you to attend and use the opportunity to EXPORTS celebrate and collaborate to help grow our industry. HORTICULTURE The year started with the announcement that Australian mangoes will enter the Since the end of 2014 the board has been The Australian horticulture sector is heading in a new United States market. The first shipments delivering on AMIA’s new Strategic Plan. direction following the transition of HAL into a grower-owned were a success, and the industry and those We need you to become involved and organisation, Horticulture Innovation Australia Limited (HIA). involved learned a great deal that can be be active in making sure that the best taken into other markets. I would like to outcomes can be achieved. The work HIA is establishing a robust membership base that represents the full spectrum of Australian horticulture industries across thank all those growers who put their hands AMIA does for the industry is for the benefit all growing regions. up to be involved in the process for their of all of us through better returns, and support. US consumers loved our product contributing to its success and continuation Become a member. as an industry body is essential. I am and over the next few years will get to enjoy Membership is open to active business entities participating calling on all of the mango supply chain to much more. in horticulture industries including those in growing and join AMIA as members as this will ensure harvesting, processing, packing, transporting, marketing, the future of our industry. By growing our MANGO MARKETING wholesaling, retailing and exporting. membership base it will ensure that we HIA membership will allow growers to have a say in the The mango marketing team has done a can continue to represent the best interest leadership and future direction of Australia’s new horticulture stellar job this season and mangoes have of mango growers in all areas and push RDC. Membership is free and brings with it many benefits for the best outcomes from R&D and been very visible to mango consumers for individuals and the wider horticulture sector. across the country, both through traditional marketing. This is the role that we as the means such as the press office and Board actively pursue, but we need the Find out more and apply at: www.horticulture.com.au/membership on social media channels. We will be support of the entire industry to be able to discussing the results of this season’s do this properly. consumer research at the Conference in Mess-tival was held on 7 December at Bondi Beach, and was our most successful one yet! The Board have recently updated AMIA’s May, so stay tuned. membership fee structure. For the 2015/16 year, AMIA membership for mango growers will cost $500 (+GST) with a 50% discount

MANGO MATTERS MARCH 2015 AUTUMN 2015 PAGE 5 REGION UPDATES AND BOARD MEMBER REPORTS

SOUTHERN WESTERN AUSTRALIA, SOUTH AUSTRALIA & VICTORIA

NORTHERN WESTERN AUSTRALIA & NORTHERN TERRITORY Geoff Warnock Brett Jackson M: 0438 884 842 SOUTHERN QUEENSLAND M: 0438 089 952 E: [email protected] E: [email protected] & NEW SOUTH WALES KUNUNURRA:The season in this region The 2014/15 mango season will be finished about mid-December. Production remembered for many reasons. The was up considerably on the previous market started well and experienced season. Most growers were satisfied with its usual dip through QLD and then the outcome of the season. Some were a finished quite strongly. But the two most little over enthusiastic in their picking at the memorable outcomes would have to be beginning but overall the maturity of the fruit the communication between industry presented was better than seen for some and retailers, and also the opening of Han Shiong Siah time. the USA market. M: 0423 444 598 This year saw unprecedented E: [email protected] With pruning and fertilizing having been mostly completed, the area is now hoping Ian Pershouse communication between wholesalers/ It has been a quiet couple of months in the for a good Wet Season. To the end of M: 0417 791 131 retailers and the industry which can only NT. Farmers are now rested up and have January the rainfall recorded being on E: [email protected] be good. The thinking that concealing come back from their holidays. Some are average but so far in February it has fallen your hand and not letting people know Harvesting is finished in Central and South already into preparing for the upcoming well behind. when you have a big crop in the hope 2015 season with pruning and maintenance Queensland, except for late varieties. that it can hold prices up does not work. of machines during this period. CARNARVON: The season started quite Northern New South Wales is still picking. If the crop is big the volume is there and a bit earlier this year than normal with The 2014/15 season would have to be the price will fall. If the people that sell Since the end of 2014, the board, AMIA the quality being presented of a good considered very challenging. With heavy the final product are aware and ready staff and I have been working on AMIA’s standard. However towards the end of the crops in all regions markets were generally they can put measures in place to move new Strategic Plan. We have some exciting season a couple of over 40 degree days oversupplied, although premium fruit was the volume and hopefully the prices will plans in line for our members. More did create some jelly seed problems. The still in good demand. In our region frequent not hit the ugly bottoms that it does. information will come from our CEO Robert volume of fruit was up on last year. rain made harvesting difficult and caused Open communication is the best way to Gray in the future. various quality issues resulting in heavier manage the supply chain and I believe For some reason, whether being collusive downgrade than normal and reducing it was managed the best this year I have Darwin is going to host 10th Australian or otherwise, the buyers were very resistive profit. seen. Mango Conference from the 25th to the to paying a fair price for quality fruit from 28th May. We hope you see all of you at the this region. Thus the growers experience In Yeppoon and Rockhampton districts However the most exciting news is the conference. The weather is prefect at that more work for less return overall. growers had massive destruction from opening of the USA. Export needs to be time of year so there is no excuse not to Tropical Cyclone Marcia. The strong wind the future for the growth of the mango come and see what Darwin, its researchers SOUTHERN REGION: The growers from completely destroyed mango, custard industry. It is clear that during certain and farmers have to show. this region are anticipating starting to pick apple and avocado crops and uprooted periods we grow too much fruit for the approximately the middle of February. many of the trees, blowing young trees Australian market and export is the only As some may already know, I have been The prognosis for this year is not very out of the ground. Our thoughts go out to way to move this fruit profitably. The only award a Nuffield Farming Scholarship. encouraging as there appears to be a lot these growers who not only have financial way to keep doing this is lobbying ours, I have been given a task to research of small fruit and they have recently been losses but the huge task of rebuilding their and other governments to promote alternate and cost effective control experiencing thunderstorms, lightening and orchard. Hopefully governments will assist free trade, and also open up markets measures for combating flying vermin, hot humid days. Magpie Geese and Flying Fox to name with some funding to help these growers through mutually satisfactory phyto- few. I hope to bring ideas on how to MARKET: Members in the Perth Markets rebuild. Some damage occurred further sanitary measures. Industry is working control flying vermin and to share this with have been following the random brix testing south in Mt Larcom and Yarwun district, but to open as many markets as possible to industry. It is a great honour to represent reports with interest and are hopeful the to a much lesser extent. The heavy rainfall help the mango industry grow profitable AMIA, Nuffield and Australia in our field of program will include the Perth Markets next associated with Marcia had an impact on export markets and improve returns to research. Stay tuned for more information. season. growers as far south as New South Wales. our membership base.

MANGO MATTERS MARCH 2015 AUTUMN 2015 PAGE 7 10TH AUSTRALIAN MANGO CONFERENCE Continued from page 7 It was encouraging to see most of the INDUSTRY industry work together throughout the FAR NORTH season and deliver good results and put SNAPSHOT Growing your profitability through QUEENSLAND the industry in a great market position for the oncoming years. I still believe there is a & NORTH QUEENSLAND lot of work to be done, however I am more collaboration than happy with the first year’s outcomes. As you are all aware the conference will be Growing your held in Darwin this year and I am looking forward to seeing you there and discussing communication and development, which the challenges and successes you had this profitability The 10th Australian Mango The conference will highlight the have a positive influence on your profit season. Once again, if there are any issues importance of the four spokes of the margins. or concerns you would like to discuss Conference will bring together ‘wheel of velocity’ - forecasting, mango through quality, supply-chain engagement please contact me. The aim of the conference is to build the key people within our and consumer marketing – and the collaboration within and across industry, opportunities they create for you to collaboration industry to celebrate the transforming our collective view and achieve greater profitability. John Nucifora Gavin Scurr creating our future. M: 0418 193 885 opportunities and discuss the AMIA Chairman of the Board It will focus on advances in production E: [email protected] challenges that have a real efficiency through research and The mango industry has had a hard slog impact on the profitability of development to maximise market trying to sell fruit this year. Volumes were “Growing your opportunities, as well as industry high out of this area and that caused a profitability” will be the our businesses. lot of problems. There was lots of fruit at a time when demand was low. As a result key topic of discussion at prices were well below sustainability and I the 10th Australian Mango don’t know what long term negative impact Kieren Brown Schedule Conference Topics this will have on the future of the mango M: 0409 593 390 Conference. industry in Mareeba and Dimbulah. E: [email protected] EVENING THE MANGO WHEEL OF IMPROVING QUALITY IN Our industry is changing and so There was complaint in the market about At time of writing the Far North Queensland MONDAY 25 MAY VELOCITY—YOUR ROLE IN THE ORCHARD is the space it operates in. We’ve fruit quality but in my view skin browning season is nearly wrapped up with most KEEPING IT SPINNING begun a new chapter and the Welcome Reception at the • Using technology to grow better is not always the case, but instead chill of the crop off and growers in the harvest conference will bring us together enchanting Darwin Botanical • Why are mangoes special mangoes burn in cold rooms is the issue. I think that of Keitts. It has been a season of highs in the spirit of celebration and Gardens • Understanding and preventing skin mangoes need to be handled differently and lows with what could possibly be the • Getting the best value from your collaboration to create a new way of browning by the people beyond the grower, but biggest volume of crop from the Mareeba mangoes working, a way that will grow your • Improving fruit fly management for unfortunately the grower takes the impact region harvested and very challenging post- DAY 1 • Understanding retailers needs profitability. market access of any issues. Christmas market conditions with low prices TUESDAY 26 MAY • How quality specifications impact on and all fruit types moving slowly through the you • Identifying the insects that pollinate On a lighter note, the key retailers were very As an industry we’ve been working Conference Day 1 central markets. • Why dry matter really does matter your flowers proactive trying to hold a firm price, and we diligently across a range of projects that will positively impact the and why you should care • Why do some mangoes stay green thank them for their support. There have been some firsts this season DAY 2 profitability of our businesses. when ripe with Australian mangoes arriving in the • Understanding consumers - the link This mango season is one that Mareeba The conference program has WEDNESDAY 27 MAY • Ways to monitor and control in transit USA and increased volume of R2E2 going between consumers, dry matter and and Dimbulah growers would like to been tailored to communicate the ripening to South Korea to support the export plan. Conference Day 2 brix forget and hope that, for the benefit of our outcomes and deliver real value and • Tools to manage Magpie Geese I would like to thank all those growers for • How crop forecasting is making a industry, we don’t see one of these poor benefits to all delegates ensuring Gala Dinner at an iconic Darwin their support and putting their hands up difference seasons again. We look forward to the up- everyone walks away with a new way WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO to be involved in the process and the risk, location and-coming season. of thinking and practices that will work and time that goes into preparing for DEVELOPING DEMAND IMPROVE THE BUSINESS? improve your profitability. the audits and being part of any export DAY 3 • Mango marketing and its impact • What can I do to make more money of mangoes. While not all varieties have Ultimately our success depends on THURSDAY 28 MAY • Quality and price – fluctuations from mangoes: been included in the programs this year it how good we are at consistently during the season • production has been an important step in learning the Mango Field Day delivering a mango that meets • Developing export markets without • marketing detail in the protocols, farm practises and or exceeds our consumer’s Farewell Ceremony at Darwin’s cutting prices • communication even down to how boxes perform and can expectations. This task is not the famous Mindil Markets • Meeting customer demands to be packed. sole responsibility of any one • Sending second grade mangoes to satisfy your consumers stakeholder rather it is the outcome a well-supplied market – what is it As you know, this year AMIA embarked on of our collective thinking, practices • Are you prepared to export to the US costing you for each tray an in-market brix analysis of fruit, dry matter and ways of working. It begins • Collaborating to meet market testing in field with NIR, access to dry RESIN CANAL Ben Martin with the grower and ends with the demand – China and Korea matter testing and retail engagement plan M: 0400 125 928 consumer and is the responsibility DISCOLOURATION with all retailers and market agents. On the E: [email protected] of every stakeholder in between, whole the feedback has been very positive • what are the causes transporter, wholesaler, ripener, With the lack of wet seasonal rain in some but as a group it is important that we review • activities to minimise its impact exporter, and retailer. parts of north Queensland it is important the season and debrief on all of these so to remember to keep an eye on your soil we can use this as a platform to further This is a conference for everyone. moisture levels. It’s is also very important to improve the process for the coming years. If you’re serious about your mango keep an eye out for pests and diseases at These sessions have been scheduled for business and improving your profits this time of year. It is my belief that orchard early in the year for the AMIA and I look then I look forward to seeing you in hygiene has to be maintained all year round forward to updating you on the actions Darwin to celebrate, collaborate, and to produce quality fruit. from this. create a future that is big, bright and profitable.

MANGO MATTERS MARCH 2015 AUTUMN 2015 PAGE 9 published in My Mango despite the prices for the northern harvest being a bit more AustSafe Super’s Harvesting mangoes in February? robust this year than those in the Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide markets. - Jill Wilson, mango grower from Gingin Western Australia Clearing House We believe there are a few mango growers By February most of you will have put away your harvesting equipment and farewelled in South Australia, southern NSW and solution – QuickSuper Victoria – and we would like to get in your packers and pickers - but we in the south of Western Australia are just beginning contact with them. Please contact AMIA Helping you spend more time harvest. Southern picking commences in about mid-February and lasts about a month. with details of mango growers in these locations so they can be passed on. growing your business, and less

In Western Australia there is a thriving, if March, and no imports either. Consequently however most severe in young orchards, time on super! small, mango industry in the south of the the price picks up again after the January and as the trees mature there appears to ✔ Comply with the new SuperStream data state – there are about 20 commercial glut and we have a niche before the be growth compensation which minimises and payment standards growers just north of Perth in the shires of Mexican fruit hits our shelves in April/May. the impact. Gingin and Dandaragan and a few more Carnarvon usually finishes in January and ✔ Pay your staff’s super electronically to We don’t also fully understand the around Geraldton (450km north of Perth). we are always keen to see them out of phenology of mangoes in a climate such AustSafe Super and other funds in ONE The oldest has been producing for over the way before we start: their Honey Gold as this. We are trying to work out the best transaction! 20 years but many are much younger. We are sometimes later and can interfere with way to fertilise and manipulate the plants mostly have small orchards of up to 5,000 our prices. If this production area were to so that we have sufficient vegetative trees; the largest (previously Rewards but expand there would probably be export No cost for employers with AustSafe flushes, and so that the timing of flowering, now privately owned), hasn’t reach full opportunities that could be exploited. fruit set and pruning are matched to our Super as their default fund production yet and has about 40,000 trees In terms of growing, we also have the climatic conditions. SMANGO is currently after sacrificing some to citrus production. advantage of minimal post-harvest disease developing a project on phenology to be A few years ago we formed an incorporated Call your local Regional Manager to get and almost no insect problems, though conducted later this year. group called the Southern Mango Growers started before the deadline! we do need to spray for anthracnose. Association (SMANGO); we meet or have Flowering is in August/September, and field days every so often to share ideas and DON’T FORGET US! although it hasn’t been quantified our experiences of producing in this climate, slightly cooler flowering period appears to We are a small production area, but and we would be happy to be in touch with provide superior conditions for fertilisation. because of the niche market there are other similar growers. Fruit ripens between November and still significant expansion opportunities, February when the weather is hot and dry. It and worth keeping an eye on. At times we CHARACTERISTICS may take a bit longer to reach the required can feel a bit “left out” as much of AMIA’s heat sum such that the ripening period is emails and communications focus on Far North North Central Southern In the southern areas of WA we have Queensland Queensland Queensland Queensland northern production and marketing issues. SMANGO and mango grower John Morrissey during a Mediterranean climate, with cool wet slightly longer, but the timing of harvest Anthony Brick Jamie Woods Stacey Watson Bruce Waltisbuhl Unfortunately the wholesale prices for harvest in February 2015 0408 706 064 0427 764 779 0437 490 445 0400 995 824 temperate winters and hot dry summers. each year varies very little. the Perth markets are not available to be Despite the temperate climate this growing We are also very close to the market, area can produce excellent mangoes. The so transport associated logistics are main variety is Kensington Pride, though uncomplicated and relatively cheap. Being Your local Regional various others are grown including R2E2 close to Perth and some attractive coastal Managers and a few Kent, Keitt and Irwin. There are locations we also have little problem finding very few PBR varieties such as Calypso or pickers each year. Honey Gold. We tend to have smaller trees but more THERE ARE OF COURSE A trees per hectare than in the tropics (400 FEW DISADVANTAGES to 600 trees per hectare is common compared with less than 200 in the north). All our orchards are irrigated from Spacings are commonly 7M between underground bores which is an added rows and 4M between trees, or smaller. cost burden. However, the quality of the Cherry pickers are used but are not always water is excellent and irrigation allows for necessary, and because of the smaller tight control of water and fertiliser. For new scale field picking and processing is rarely developments irrigation can be a challenge mechanised. Central local pack houses, as water allocations for licensing can be which also cater for citrus and stone fruit limited. are often used, though a few growers have The cool wet winters have sometimes their own facilities. Most fruit is sold via the resulted in some of the younger orchards Perth market; because of the relatively high being affected by the disease “apical domestic demand at this time of the year, necrosis” (caused by the bacterium very little is exported. Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae), which also occurs in other production areas with The industry super fund for WHY GROW HERE? a similar latitude such as southern Spain. A few years ago SMANGO did considerable rural and regional Australia Surprisingly there are some advantages work on this, in conjunction with the to growing mangoes in the south, and it is Western Australia Department of Agriculture one sector of the industry where significant and Food, and fortunately we seem to Proudly supporting the Australian Mango Industry expansion could occur. A major advantage be on top of it. It can be adequately, is the timing – there are no other Australian Typical southern mango orchard with shorter trees Austsafe Pty Ltd ABN 96 010 528 597 AFSL 314183 RSE License L0002035 is though not usually completely, controlled the Trustee of AustSafe Super ABN 92 398 191 503 RSE Registration R1005509. mangoes hitting the market in February and and fewer per hectare by repeated spraying with copper. It is ADVMM 0914

MANGO MATTERS MARCH 2015 AUTUMN 2015 PAGE 11

CCJ13791 Mango Matters Ad 90w x 260h.indd 1 15/09/14 2:11 PM Mango Crop Forecast Did you receive My Mango? Thankyou to all those who contributed information to the crop forecast! My Mango is AMIA’s weekly industry update which was emailed at noon every Monday throughout the season. It updated readers on With the harvest of the late varieties post fruit drop, and then refined to reflect the season, and they have used the expected to continue until mid-March any movements in grower forecasts. It information in the forecast to guide their the crop forecast, results of the independent in-market brix testing, the final figures for the season will not be was communicated weekly throughout marketing activities and drive demand to current marketing activities and wholesale market prices. It is a known for some weeks. At this stage, the the season in My Mango, updated on the keep people buying mangoes, especially forecast is indicating that around 8.4 million industry website and in the Spring and in times of peak supply. The success of the one-stop shop giving all sectors of the industry the information trays of mangoes were produced this Summer Mango Matters. crop forecast is shown by the persistent season. retail campaigns featuring mangoes by the they need to make informed decisions about their fruit. On a weekly basis throughout harvest, key retailers,” Boyd said. Before the 2014/15 mango season began, growers and carton manufacturers The first season of My Mango has been off-season to keep you up to date on news This year we moved a lot more mangoes AMIA set out to create an accurate crop contributed information about the volume “We are hoping more growers are willing received with overwhelmingly positive and events in the mango industry. than other years. We did a lot of work to forecasting system that would give visibility of trays dispatched. Boyd Arthur, AMIA to get involved next season and provide feedback. The information in My Mango plan the season and by ensuring we had of the timing, volume and flow of the mango Supply Development Manager, credits the information on their dispatch volume to has proved valuable to everyone across Paul Joseph from wholesaler Alfred E. good quality fruit we retained customers crop across all varieties and growing accuracy of the forecast to the information increase the accuracy of the forecast even the industry. Growers have more visibility Chave at the Brisbane markets: and prices.” regions to the entire supply chain. that was supplied. further,” he said. on what is available on the market and the “My Mango gave us a bigger picture of Sam Nastasi from C & L Nastasi & The crop forecast was compiled by “The crop forecast made a huge difference Full details and a review of the crop prices, wholesalers know what volumes what was moving through the supply Sons in Mareeba: collecting regional flowering dates to to the feeling of the industry this season. It forecast will be discussed at the 10th are coming and what is happening in chain – what happened last week and predict the timeframe for harvest. The gave everyone visibility of what to expect Australian Mango Conference, to be held in other markets and retailers have more what to expect next week. The up-to-date “My Mango is a useful tool for mango predicted harvest timeframe was checked for the season and when. AMIA has been Darwin from the 25th – 28th May 2015. visibility about the crop flow and quality. It information about the forecast and volumes growers to keep them informed of some throughout fruit set, including pre and engaged with mango retailers throughout has assisted with the planning of industry was a good tool and the market prices of the current market conditions to help and retail mango marketing campaigns, allowed us to compare our prices with other them make better financial decisions about ensuring they are in line with current states, which we don’t always have time to their crop. If growers used the information predictions to increase demand at the right do during the season. while picking and packing their mangoes, time. it could be possible to understand supply The brix testing was a great initiative and ESTIMATED TRAYS DISPATCHED BY REGION FOR 2014/15 SEASON influences and the quantity on the market, If you’re not receiving My Mango, you can growers were more aware when to pick therefore pack fruit that will maximise either subscribe on the mango industry fruit. It gave them incentive to do a better returns rather than just packing everything 1,000,000 website or contact AMIA directly to make job so they didn’t end up at the bottom of that they can and then referring to it after sure you’re not missing out. Look out for the results. It helped our customers find the their fruit is sent to the markets. the first My Mango of next season which most consistent quality mangoes for their 900,000 will be emailed in September 2015. In the stores because they were always looking meantime, The Slice will continue during the out for the brands that recorded the highest brix score. 800,000 700,000 GreenTech 600,000 the logical choice

500,000 GreenTech’s specialised chemical application technology offers growers opportunities to minimise costs, increase 400,000 output and raise the quality of their crops.

Drift reduction and targeted spraying can 300,000 reduce the use of expensive chemicals, diesel fuel, labour and capital equipment. GreenTech Spray Systems for 200,000 better results and better profits.

100,000 108-112 Wing Street, Wingfield, SA 5013 P: 08 8359 5362 M: 0419 887 009 F: 08 8359 5364 Email: [email protected] www.greentechspraysystem.com

6-Oct 1-Dec 5-Jan 2-Feb 8-Sep 15-Sep 22-Sep 29-Sep 13-Oct 20-Oct 27-Oct 3-Nov 10-Nov 17-Nov 24-Nov 8-Dec 15-Dec 22-Dec 29-Dec 12-Jan 19-Jan 26-Jan 9-Feb 16-Feb 23-Feb Call the Sales Manager at GreenTech International Pty Ltd, 108-112 Wing Street, Winfield, SA 5013 Mobile: +61 419 887 009 Phone: +61 8 8359 5362 Fax: +61 8 8359 5364 GreenTech Northern Territory KununurraEmail: [email protected]/Bowen Mareeba/Dimbulah www.greentechspraysystem.comSouth East Queensland Australia Machinery and Technology for Agriculture and Viticulture

MANGO MATTERS MARCH 2015 AUTUMN 2015 PAGE 13 IN FOCUS A broad spectrum sanitation and water treatment solution. STEVE AND CLAIRE MOXHAM For use in Mango Growers horticulture Steve and Clare live in Bowen and have become a part of the mango industry this year. including nurseries, They recently completed their first harvest and green houses and we checked in on them to see how it went: Steve and Clare Moxham were more than happy with how things turned out for their first mango harvest packing sheds.

“We joined the industry because we were One of the biggest challenges was to have looking for a new venture. We had a the fruit packed and the pallets finished and commercial fishing operation in the past ready to load when the truck arrived, as we PUTTING and the mango orchard just came up had a timeslot and if we were not ready our out of the blue. Coming from Bowen and produce could not be picked up. Luckily that Proserpine, mangoes have always been never happened. Steve made the comment part of our life. Clare grew up on a 10 acre that he would be more comfortable filleting ten tonnes of mackerel than picking and A STOP mango farm, which the family harvested every year. Dad picked the mangoes during packing mangoes, but I think he is coming the day, then every afternoon after school around. the work started for the kids who put them Harvest time is very busy and you don’t in the cardboard boxes to be brought back stop all day. When the shed is finished and TO SPORES to the house where Mum packed them at cleaned up, you prepare for the next day and night in the shed. Everyone helped. then the bookwork begins. You need to be fit We were quite apprehensive in the lead up because you will feel every muscle by the end to the first harvest. We had no idea of what of the day. This year we will be more prepared to expect and the season was here before as we will have a full 12 months to get ready we knew where we were. But when we got and make changes. into full swing, things calmed down and We were lucky to get advice from many we are more than happy with how things other experienced farmers from the mango turned out. The feedback of the quality of and other local produce industries and our produce was a real highlight. From our these people have made our first harvest experience of only one year the main focus successful. Listen to everyone, however make needs to be on fruit quality - if you wouldn’t your own decisions because if you get it buy it, don’t pack it. wrong, it is your mistake to fix and learn from. Another highlight was when we packed AMIA and other industry participants were the first boxes with our ‘Moxy Mangoes’ most helpful as we were planning for our first stickers on them. It was a proud moment. season. Boyd Arthur from AMIA came and One of our son’s friends bought one of our checked our mangoes for ripeness and gave mangoes in Yamba and messaged him us posters to display in the shed to assist us on Facebook asking if he knew anything with our orientation process with workers. For more information, contact about it. your local Nufarm distributor. The season was quite challenging and hectic at times. We had a great group of Right: Mango harvest underway in the Moxy Mango shed Below: Moxy Mango stickers workers and even had a birthday cake on the second last day. The biggest challenge nufarm.com.au was getting all the machinery ready on time. We only purchased the mango farm in June with no working equipment and Sporekill is a registered trademark of ICA and is used only decided to do the harvest ourselves in September so it was very busy from under licence by Nufarm Australia Limited. then on. We were kindly donated some old tomato processing equipment that we cut to pieces and modified to suite. The night before we started picking, we were still cutting and welding machines and equipment together. Well into the harvest, we were still making changes and tweaking machines and equipment.

MANGO MATTERS MARCH 2015 AUTUMN 2015 PAGE 15 season went on. Packing costs and sales SPOTLIGHT ON THE commissions were a concern this season and this has led to a focus on better marketing my produce. I have explored MARKETPLACE some new market opportunities which I intend to develop this season. Picking on my property was delayed this year due to unrelated circumstances which led to the loss of some early fruit. Next season I hope to improve the speed and efficiency of my harvest operation and will commence harvest preparation Season Review activities much earlier with a view to have the bulk of my fruit into the market by early Martina Matzner, NT November at the latest. I have increased the application of fertiliser and undertaken We asked growers wholesalers, Martina Matzner manages Acacia Hills some heavier pruning to improve sunlight Farm and said that costs for producers are exporters and retailers to penetration within the orchard canopy. continuously increasing while their ability to share their experiences of the impact what happens to fruit after it leaves AMIA should take steps to address some the farm is reduced. 2014/15 mango season Marie Piccone, Manbulloo, Katherine of the serious issues created in WA for local producers by the relaxation of import “The crop forecast and independent brix protocols for fresh mangoes. The changes Boyd Arthur, AMIA Supply Development testing that were initiated this season by The industry communications that were chain quickly helping to hold the price went way too far and the local industry is Manager said that all production regions AMIA were a positive step for the industry, available this season provided more up. I believe AMIA’s crop forecast played in real jeopardy of Mango Seed Weevil produced substantial volumes of all although more tools need to be made clarity, increased the level of information a major role in this and the industry as a incursion as a result. Rogue producers that varieties and the quality was mostly great. available to growers to achieve the best and communication, and helped reduce whole benefited immensely. The retailers are working around production protocols, results on the farm. The delay between “As Supply Development Manager, I was misinformation. The results of the maturity also benefited from this program and as opposed to complying with them, are sending fruit to market and seeing the able to visit 90 mango growers across testing were interesting. These initiatives hopefully the consumers who buy our fruit damaging the industry’s integrity and returns and results limits the effect of five states. I spoke regularly to mango appear to be focussed on providing better got a far better experience and value for reputation and exposing “clean” mango the information. Data on the correlation wholesalers and met with retailers as part Boyd Arthur outcomes for consumers and producing money. I think we should continue to grow production areas within WA to serious between brix and dry matter needs to of a mango roadshow and to help with their AMIA Supply Development Manager more marketable mangoes overall, and that the crop forecast as it allows fruit to flow pests and diseases. The Ord Mango be distributed so the reports have more quality training. can only be a great step forward. However through the market rather than having hold Growers Association commenced a media meaning and growers can analyse the the crop estimation, crop prediction and ups which cause price crashes. campaign aimed at drawing the attention My role was created after the need for results and act if necessary. communication processes can be further of consumers to some of our concerns and increased support for growers was realised GROWERS The independent market brix tests and on- I would like to see transparent collaboration refined for future seasons. I would like to it is our intention to significantly ramp up to achieve the aim of increasing grower farm dry matter tests that AMIA conducted of all stakeholders in the industry to develop see more updates on consumer research these activities for the coming season. profitability of 20%. The role encompassed Steve Baker, NSW this season had a positive impact on the a stable market for the benefit of all. The and more promotional activities to drive two components –managing AMIA’s crop “This year seemed to be much more normal industry. It is great to see more tools being I strongly believe the industry limitation of resources and infrastructure sales, improving the competitiveness of forecast and working to improve mango than last season, with harvest starting made available to help growers pick fruit at communication this season, such as the available to producers in the NT due to their mangoes in the market place, especially quality. mid-February as opposed to mid-January. the right maturity and produce a product crop forecast and independent brix testing, isolation also remains an issue that needs Australia. Last year got a bit dry, but this year has that our consumers want and keeps them is very important to the industry generally, With the help of my NIR gun, I was able further addressing.” shaped up nicely with a dry spring followed Moving the industry forward requires better coming back to buy more. I would also to work with, support and help growers although they did not make a difference to by good rain to fill the crop out nicely. We protocol negotiation for export markets and like to see a program to help growers refine the timing of their harvest with Marie Piccone, Katherine my operation. would like to spend more time pruning support in existing and developing export grade and pack better fruit as I believe it is a focus on maturity to deliver the best Marie Piccone of Manbulloo is the one of A frustration of many of our members is both pre and post flowering - the more markets. The industry would benefit from something that we as an industry can work possible eating experience for consumers. the largest Kensington Pride growers in the manner in which some fruit is repacked diseased material that can be removed addressing skills shortages by finding or on.” The independent brix testing was a great Australia and exports to a number markets at the retail point of sale into cartons other the better the chance of reducing the risk developing people to fill key supervisory initiative to keep the focus on delivering a that require VHT treatment such as China. than the ones into which that fruit was of postharvest problems like stem end rot and management roles in the mango Rob Voysey, Western Australia quality mango to consumers. We will be originally packed at the point of origin. and anthracnose, and help to reduce the “We produced a larger volume of mangoes industry.” Rob Voysey is a mango grower and working with growers to refine the system reliance that too many of us put on post- and experienced less difficulties in the field Chairman of the Ord Mango Growers This is particularly concerning when fruit in future years. We will also be looking to harvest treatments. Quality is something during the 2014/15 season, although we Tony Holloway, Bowen/Burdekin Association. originating from outside WA is packed into wholesalers to get more involved in this we strive to improve on each year there as had some problems with new equipment. Tony Holloway grows mangoes in the cartons which display WA production area process. “Production in the region was up compared should be no room poor quality fruit in the We learned so much more about issues Burdekin and said he was able to get a labeling. This has serious implications for to last year, but still down on average. The The Crop Forecast not only informed the market place. that occur in our supply chains - from field better average price overall by having a traceability, which should be of serious poor first and second flowerings seemed entire industry of expected timing and to consumer this season. better standard of grading, particularly for concern for AMIA, not to mention the fact With our season just kicking off things are to be the main issue and whilst the third volume of the crop, but provided support first grade fruit. that retailers are falsely advertising fruit as looking pretty good. So far prices are good We believe it is important to innovate flowering was much better, all of that fruit for industry and retail marketing and being grown in WA. The same concerns and demand for quality is still strong. I think and continually improve. Once we have “This season we were very happy with the eventually dropped. Fruit quality was also promotions. This was especially important hold true for fruit that has been subject to the weekly industry reports are fantastic as completed our analysis of the season we outcomes in terms of quality and price, but below average in general terms, although in times of large supply when fruit needs to irradiation prior to entry into WA but which they give us a clear picture of what’s going will prioritise what is of most benefit to our there is always room for improvement. We the incidence of rot type problems was be moved through the supply chain quickly is not labeled as such at the point of sale on and the brix testing is pointing the finger customers and our company and make the will continue to work hard next season to an improvement on recent years. Prices to sustain the best possible prices. as is currently the law in WA. When you at those who are letting the industry down required adjustments. Next season we are get our grading correct and produce better for my product were generally very good, add to these examples the labeling issues It was a difficult season in some ways as by harvesting immature fruit, particularly looking to further strengthen relationships quality fruit - we won’t be taking any short however payment for fruit directed through surrounding the recent berry hepatitis fruit developed and matured slowly due to early in the season when we can least with our supply chain partners, including cuts. Canningvale Markets was significantly incident, it becomes clear that Australian the dry conditions. The biggest quality issue afford a poor eating experience for customers and suppliers, improve delayed which affected cash flow. The flood labeling laws are either inadequate or The market was stronger than last year for we faced was green ripe fruit, immaturity consumers. Let’s continue to put a focus performance and design of equipment, of poor quality fruit into WA from the NT unenforced, which is simply unacceptable, Burdekin fruit because the region seemed and Resin Canal Discolouration, which was on improving quality and standards so the grow communication and manage levels of early in the season created some issues and this is a matter that AMIA should to produce the right amount of fruit for the not as widespread as previous years.” entire industry will benefit.” fatigue for our team. for local producers which corrected as the actively work to rectify.” demand so fruit flowed through the supply

MANGO MATTERS MARCH 2015 AUTUMN 2015 PAGE 17 MARKETS Terry Rudge, Melbourne Terry Rudge from Rudge Produce Systems Peter Silk, Melbourne is based in the Melbourne Wholesale Peter Silk, of Silk Brothers at the Melbourne Markets. Terry assesses fruit in the markets Markets, said that the quality of the throughout the season and managed the Mareeba fruit was fantastic. independent brix testing that was sent to the industry every Monday in My Mango. “The late timing of the season wreaked havoc on the markets. In previous years “Compared to last season the 2014/15 we have seen fruit from Darwin arrive in the mango crop had fewer quality issues. markets from early August, with volumes This was particularly in relation to Resin arriving from late September, whereas this Canal Discolouration (RCD), where fewer season, the fruit trickled in until late October growers had the problem and those that when supply drastically increased, flooding experienced it were not affected to the the market, and causing the market to same extent. Early season Darwin fruit had crash. It became impossible to sell the fruit the usual amount of issues with cosmetic at the same high prices due to the volume. quality as growers sought to make the Mother Nature played a big part in late most of early season prices. Some Darwin development of the fruit with below normal growers had issues with RCD but most the winter temperatures. This put most mango issue was confined to the early shipments. Greg Owens, NT Farmers (left) with Terry Rudge, Rudge Produce Systems (right) areas up to four weeks behind. The quality of the early mangoes did not deserve the The other feature of the season was the high prices that were paid for them. timing of arrivals of Kensington Pride (KP) Pride season from far north Queensland shorter time frame, creating oversupply and from the Atherton Tablelands. While these meant there was more opportunity to a lot of issues. This oversupply kept prices Matt Fealy featured his mangoes The feedback we received from our were some of the best looking KPs of market other varieties in the lead up low, keeping buyers happy but did not help predominantly on social media this season customers in relation to quality was mainly the season, much of this fruit missed the to Christmas and there were greater growers and their returns. The large supply due to inconsistent flower set which pre-Christmas window and came head Kensington Pride volumes after Christmas. that arrived at the markets after Christmas caused inconsistent quality, fruit size and to head with a plentiful supply of cheap, when demand was not strong created Matt Fealy, Mareeba After the region voted for an increase in There is no doubt that AMIA’s weekly timing. This was not the case for fruit from good quality stone fruit. This fruit often sat some real problems within the markets. This the marketing levy, all growers I speak email, My Mango, and the crop forecast Matt Fealy is a mango grower based Mareeba. In terms of quality, the Mareeba around getting overripe while wholesalers is out of growers hands but had the timing with want to see major improvements in was of significant benefit. Like all things, in Mareeba and featured his mangoes fruit was perfect, although the timing was held out for payable returns. The late arrival been closer to normal, we would not have the marketing next year. I know the mango constant improvement is essential and it is predominantly on social media this season. too late. Katherine had the best quality of Tableland KPs created an opportunity for experienced these issues. We received marketing team, especially Treena, is incumbent on the industry to drive quality from the NT, the R2E2’s from the Burdekin Katherine and Mataranka growers. Ironically good feedback from our customers as the “Last year we inherited the crop. The excited about the extra funding and they will improvement from all regions. were very good, while Kensington Prides early-season fruit of average quality quality was better this season. flowers were already on the trees when we do wonders with it. from Giru were of a low standard. There received satisfactory prices while some of arrived and we had no knowledge of what Sam Haddad, Brisbane The information we received from the The industry needs to lobby government to was little anthracnose and Resin Canal the best fruit of the season did not. had taken place prior to our arrival. This Sam Haddad from H.E. Heather is a industry throughout the season was disallow imported processed mangoes into Discolouration when compared to last year. year we had full control and we learned There were some particularly good lines wholesaler in the Brisbane markets and very good. A lot of this is up to good Australia. No matter how much blood sweat The biggest quality issue this season was a hell of a lot. We were happy with our of Calypso. NT Growers had left these said that people need to be more mindful communication between wholesalers and tears goes into growing mangoes, green ripe fruit. This was a major problem marketing, partners in the major markets on the tree longer than usual and eating of the volumes that can be produced in and growers and communicating what’s there will always be rejected fruit. When any and customers did not trust lines of fruit to and pest maintenance, and we had three quality was particularly good. Calypso Queensland. coming. I think some big steps forward part of a crop is written off, loses need to colour as they ripened. times the crop yield. from Katherine and Mataranka continued have been taken this year, but there are still be recouped somewhere. Growers need to The industry information we received this “The timing of the season was out of This season we will be doing things very to go into supermarkets into the New things to work on as an industry.” have viable avenues for ALL their fruit to still season was good, once I understood how whack. Supply was strong at the wrong differently. My knowledge of mango Year. Calypso from the Tablelands did be here in the future. If growers can cover to use it. It didn’t necessarily change the times. We saw a big crop compacted into a phenology and nutritional requirements at not have the colour and flavour of the their costs at the bottom end of the market, way fruit was sold, but it gave me a better different stages of the crop cycle will be the NT fruit. Calypso, Honey Gold and some then we can sell the top end of the market understanding and the brix testing gave us basis of our preparation for next season. of the groups marketing KP established Sam Haddad, H.E. Heather, Brisbane Markets cheaper, resulting in more affordable a good idea of where the fruit was is terms The difference will hopefully be a similar / consolidated relationships with chain mangoes for the consumer and creating of maturity. I hope in the future growers will yield of the clean fruit that we saw this stores. Calypso especially did not have greater demand. I am well aware how feel more trust and confidence to provide season. We spent most of last off-season a strong or consistent presence on the big and multifaceted this problem is and information to programs that are in place as pruning the Kensington Prides and R2E2s wholesale market but was prominent in there is no easy solution, but I do believe they benefit the wider industry and we are and the result was fantastic. This offseason displays in supermarkets. it is critical to the survival of the industry all working together to improve across the we will be pruning the Keitts and Brooks and the Australian agricultural sector as a Board. AMIA put considerable effort into monitoring just as hard and hopefully seeing just as whole. There is an opportunity currently on mango maturity. This exercise produced good results next year. the back of the Hep A Nanna’s debacle I think it would be beneficial to have some unexpected results, but the full value information on specific lines as they move I was very happy with the communication to really get behind this and continue the of this exercise will be realised when AMIA through the supply chain, such as its and support we received from AMIA, momentum that has already begun.” combs through the considerable amount of condition as it leaves the grower, how it is especially Boyd’s visits with the NIR gun to data that has been collected.” received at the markets and how it is sold. test dry matter. The publishing of the brix More planning to deal with irregular supply Rob Cathels, Sydney tests created accountability and I believe it would also benefit the industry.” Rob Cathels from N&A Distributers at the will have influenced many grower’s harvest Sydney Wholesale markets said mangoes dates knowing that if they were to “jump had a stronger season in terms of length the gun” their name may end up on the and intensity compared to last year. naughty list. This has to be good for the industry as a whole and if AMIA continues “Quantity and quality were the main with these tests and publishing them, I am difference this year – there was a lot more sure it will go a long way towards improving fruit available and generally the quality was the consumer experience by reducing the better. Mangoes sold well and this demand volume of immature fruit in the market. was related to the better quality. We saw the best quality Kensington Prides and R2E2s produced in far north Queensland, particularly Dimbulah. The late Kensington

AUTUMN 2015 PAGE 19 EXPORTERS Noel Paulin Continuing efforts to make mangoes “top average. The cross over between growing David Harris, Harris Farms Noel Paulin from Excelsior Fruit International of mind” early in the season when prices regions in late December let us down. David Harris of Harris Farms said that this Martin Walker said that overall, it was a reasonable export are strongest and buyers are not yet in the New season fruit arrived late, resulting season, as always, consumers had positive Martin Walker saw growth of up to 20% in season for R2E2. habit of purchasing, and increasing in-store poor colour and firm fruit which effected all sentiment towards Australian mangoes. R2E2 exports this season. promotions, POS, tastings, retail/ customer wholesale customers. “There was good quality this season product knowledge and QA/ Buyer training “The late start to the season had people Continuing to provide retailers and “Our export volumes are up 20% this and Australian mangoes continue to be will support the industry’s growth.” seeking out mangoes, but many of these season, with prices remaining similar to sort after and popular among our major wholesalers information on brix testing will people were disappointed in the immature last year. We saw strong popularity and importing countries. The early and late Coles improve and grow the industry in future fruit that was on offer early in the season. seasons. This information was important demand for Australian mangoes and the season R2E2’s went well, but the big Coles believes that the success of the I think the industry as a whole needs to to our buying decision as the awareness profile is increasing each year. By working volumes in the middle of the season meant mango season in 2014-15 was due to dissuade growers from sending fruit before around eating quality is extremely important with mango growers to produce more that there was too much uncontrolled the improved quality and availability from it is mature and I encourage growers to to driving consumer confidence. export quality mangoes, exports can be exporting, resulting in disappointing returns Scott Ledger, Manbulloo (left) with Anthony Dobson, early October right through to the end of ensure they pick mature mangoes to make improved across the board. to growers. The strong demand on the local Total Food Network (right) February. This enabled us to confidently The industry can further drive education sure that everyone’s first experience of the market for Honey Gold’s made pricing for season is a good experience. Market access is of great concern to the support mangoes early and drive sales on ripening as many suppliers fall down export difficult. volumes come from the Burdekin and right through Christmas and well into the industry’s exports. China is by far our with the ripening process. Their biggest The main difference this year compared Tableland regions as the timing of their crop New Year. Good communication from our biggest and most lucrative market for In future seasons, growers and exporters challenge is to ripen fruit quickly, but to the last few years was the abundance coincides with Christmas and the Chinese growers throughout the season ensured we mangoes and direct access to this market need to fully understand the quality demand is high they tend to just turn the of good quality fruit that arrived in mid- New Year. We also get consistent export were able to get behind the right variety at would boost exports substantially. There requirements for each individual market heat up. January. Large volumes of fruit then volume and quality from the Queensland the right time while quality was at its best. has been increased border closures and not oversupply it with fruit that is not up arrived on the market at once, reducing farms. We look forward to the 2015-16 mango We noticed a difference with the increased between Hong Kong and China and the to the market requirements.” prices. The industry information that was season and beyond. industry engagement. A national QA grey channel is becoming more expensive Export growth will come from committed training program was implemented by communicated was useful to our company, Anthony Dobson and difficult. This season, Chinese officials growers and exporters who want to drive ALDI ALDI and AMIA and our awareness and although I’m not sure the average green arrested traders in Guangzhou Markets Anthony Dobson, the Export Category grocer would be receiving this information.” export. If growers remain focussed on what Aldi said that this year’s mango season was knowledge levels have increased through whom were selling Australian fruits and put Manager with Total Food Network, said that is happening on the domestic market then much improved over last year. this. We look forward to further this by them in jail as an example to others. The the weakening Australian dollar is certainly export will struggle to grow. Committed engaging earlier in the pre-season. whole of the industry, from mango growers encouraging their customers to increase growers who have an export mentality and “Eating quality and sizing was more to exporters and everyone in between, their order volumes. partner with export companies that have a consistent this year and there was TV advertising or similar; as was done for needs to lobby government to make a good conditioned fruit most of the time. Calypso some years ago, will raise the “R2E2 continues to be the dominant variety strong market presence can work together serious effort to push for direct market There was a reduction in Resin Canal profile of mangoes and create excitement. in our export markets, but we saw some to increase export volumes. access to China with a simple protocol Discolouration appearing on retail shelf The impact of this, combined with our own growth in Kensington Pride earlier in the such as irradiation. The existing protocol Australian mangoes are interesting to space, although fruit appearance was advertising will drive sales.” of VHT is nonviable for many reasons. season and additional focus on the later overseas customers who are looking for Vietnam has banned all Australian fruit varieties of Keitt and Kent. We receive a continuity of supply, as Australia enjoys which is an example of what can happen positive feedback from our international an almost six month season. A mango suddenly. customers about the taste and quality of ambassador to drive home the mango Australian mangoes and our varieties are message who would be easily recognised In February, I met with a delegation of well received in overseas markets. Mango overseas, as well as AMIA support at Chinese academics and emphasised quality from farm is improving and this will events like Asia Fruit Logistica and World of the substantial benefit of irradiation as a support volume growth. Perishables will give mango exports a boost protocol for market access. I mentioned going into next season.” the VHT protocol for Australian mangoes As is always the case with mango exports, it is difficult to get things started at the to China is not viable and should be re- RETAILERS negotiated to a more efficient method such beginning of the season as the domestic as irradiation.” prices are almost impossible to match in export. This usually means the real export Luke Coach, Metcash Food Group Luke Couch from Metcash Food Group Martin Walker with Peter Lynch and Yan Diczbalis showing a Chinese delegation the said in terms of sales and volume, this document pathway for irradiation of Lychees and mangoes to New Zealand. year’s season was an unmitigated success. “Industry engagement this year was fantastic. The four week ‘Product of the Month’ focus was instrumental in IGA achieving double digit sales growth in the category. This would not have been possible without support from the industry. The season was not without challenges, especially in securing good quality fruit. The lack of quality and volume at the beginning of the season placed pressure on matching last year’s promotional program from the beginning. This was soon brought in line and the results at a retail level were excellent. Consumers looked for mangoes at the beginning and middle of the season, but demand was not sustained until the very end. We believe a combination of mixed quality and retail fatigue saw customer penetration fall away at the end. MANGO MARKETING Inaugural Market Tour gets thumbs up from growers As part of the Supply Chain Engagement program, AMIA hosted its first official Best of Australian mangoes ‘Grower Market Tour’ in Sydney during December 2014. The three day program coincided with the Mess-tival and gave all participants an opportunity to see showcased at Mess-tival firsthand just what it takes to whip Australians into a frenzy over mangoes. Mess-tival, the annual festival that celebrates the peak of the As part of the Supply Chain Engagement learning about the differences and tasting Australian mango season and the official arrival of summer, program, AMIA hosted its first ‘Grower all the varieties. It was a great tour, I learnt a went off without a hitch on the first Sunday of Summer. Market Tour’ in Sydney during December lot and I’d do it again.” Nipper participating in beach activities 2014. The three day program coincided with Mess-tival and gave all participants Liisa Haritos of Blush Mangoes The festival was held at Sydney’s iconic coverage, plus an estimated 60 minutes an opportunity to see firsthand just what it “My daughter and I were blown away by Bondi Beach on Sunday 7th December of mangoes on screen placement in the takes to whip Australians into a frenzy over the Distribution Centres. The size and 2014. It is the biggest event on the mango studio. Weekend Sunrise is Australia’s mangoes. scale of the operations and the logistics marketing calendar and plays a critical part favourite national weekend breakfast of getting mangoes in and out in such a The market tour was rich with insights in raising the profile of mangoes to maintain program and has an estimated viewership short timeframe was amazing. We got a covering all aspects of the mango supply demand throughout the season. The annual of 314,264. real sense of how important it is to have chain that growers don’t normally get to festival has grown in scale and popularity mangoes arrive on time and in the right New this year were Mess-tival branded see. As well as experiencing the fun and every year, giving people an opportunity to quality. We grow Kensington Prides in marquees that added size and branding excitement of Mess-tival, the itinerary create mango memories that will last for Darwin and being involved in Mess-tival to the event. There was an MC and cool included visiting wholesalers and ripeners years to come. was great. There were thousands of tunes pumping to attract people and keep in the Sydney Markets and personalised people. They all loved mangoes and were the day’s events flowing. There was also tours of the Woolworths and Aldi AMIA Chairman Gavin Scurr with his Over 8,000 samples of R2E2, Kensington particularly keen to hear what it’s like on Mess-tival MC had a hashtag marquee that rewarded the Distribution Centers. Growers also visited family at Mess-tival Pride, Honey Gold and Calypso were a farm and how we grow such a beautiful public with mango merchandise for posting a wide range of retail stores including handed out to beach goers who spent time fruit. Being with other growers was a bonus. their Instaframe pictures to Facebook independent green grocers, Harris Farm with mango growers speaking about their We can learn a lot from each other. I highly and Instagram with the Aussie Mangoes Markets, Woolworths, Coles, Aldi, Costco favourite thing - mangoes. recommend a Market Tour for every grower. hashtags #LovinSummer #LovinMangoes. and IGA. Media coverage for the event was extensive I plan to go again next year” 1,000 pieces of mango merchandise was and, in terms of PR value, was the most given away and the Australian Mangoes Adam Dotta from Spring Creek Ian Pershouse from IH & GA successful year yet. On the Friday before social media posts on the day reached Mangoes the event, Mess-tival was featured on The Pershouse over 13,000 people and had 1,700 “I was a late starter, only making the Project’s ‘Friday Night Whip Around’, where “Throughout the years we’ve often gone engagements. decision to get involved on the day before nippers competed in an eating competition to the markets to see our fruit and we still the tour started and I’m very pleased I did. live on-air. The Project is a favourite The North Bondi Nippers competed in learnt a lot from this tour. We’ve never been It was a real eye-opener. I didn’t appreciate weekday ‘infotainment’ show that has a mango-based challenges throughout the to a Mess-tival. It was a great day, hot and how complex the supply chain is. I got Branded marquees national audience of 650,000, making it day and for the first time, they took on the sunny with thousands of people, and they to see my fruit in the market, talk to my one of Australia’s most popular programs, public in a series of eating competition all wanted mangoes. We were run of our wholesaler, see the market conditions outside of the news. In addition, Weekend challenges. The event raised $13,000 for feet. Most people didn’t know that not all first hand and I got to hear and see what Sunrise filmed their weather segments from the North Bondi Nippers, growing the total mangoes are the same so they were really retailers were doing to get consumers the event, reaching almost 500,000 viewers raised since 2012 to $38,000. interested in trying the four varieties and buying heaps of mangoes. There was a and delivering over 18 minutes of on-air learning what was different about each lot of fruit around and they all had great one. Mess-tival is a great event where mango displays. Mess-tival surprised me, consumers learn a lot about mangoes and it’s such a big event. There were masses Liisa Haritos of Blush Mangoes from Darwin Nipper participating in eating competition Photo credits: Lisa Musico growers learn a lot about consumers. I’d of people and a lot of them thought all recommend the Market Tour to any grower.” mangoes were the same so they loved

Instaframe picture

Mango Merchandise Azaha, Store Manager Harris Farm Markets, Manly The tour included retailer Distribution Centres Ian and Gloria Pershouse at Mess-tival

MANGO MATTERS MARCH 2015 AUTUMN 2015 PAGE 23 TODD’S KITCHEN Social media encourages - 1,500 Instagram followers people to celebrate MANGO BOXES Australia Day with mangoes PLIX TRAYS BUBBLE WRAP

What better way to celebrate FEATURED FRUIT SOCKS Australia Day than with the INFLUENCER POSTS CORNER ANGLES iconic Australian mango! AUSTRALIAN FOODIE QUIRKY COOKING In the weeks leading up to FITNESS IN THE CITY - 2,900 Instagram followers This mango ice cream post was featured PALLETS - 2,500 Instagram followers Australia Day, the Mango on Quirky Cooking’s Facebook, which has Marketing Team was focused a following of 191,542. 12,000 Instagram followers, 3,900 Twitter followers TAPE on making sure mangoes were at the forefront of consumers’ STRETCH WRAP minds when planning their celebratory dishes. STRAPPING One of the best ways to get products in front of tens of thousands of people & MORE with minimal cost is via influential social media personalities and their channels. To secure coverage, the marketing team needed to get great looking mangoes in their hands. A delivery of eight perfectly THE FIT FOODIE ripe mangoes dressed in green and gold The Fit Foodie features mangoes in their posts twice were sent to seven key influential social - 28,600 Instagram followers and 3,506 Facebook fans Wholesale boxes and packaging media personalities. Australia Day recipe suggestions were included along with a products for picking, packing, very patriotic flag. These influencers were shipping to shelf. selected to target both food lovers and health/nutrition buffs who like to share nutritional ideas with their followers, making mangoes the perfect healthy sweet treat for Contact us for a a celebration. SALLY KRIX quote today! The influencer drops aimed to have - 7,000 Instagram followers influential people endorse mangoes and tell their audiences that mangoes are vital to Australia Day celebrations while giving potential consumers a visual reminded of just how delicious mangoes are! The influencer drops build relationships NT Packaging with each media target so they are more Berrimah 08 8947 1977 likely to include mangoes in additional posts and articles further down the line and Humpty Doo 08 8988 1053 into future seasons. One key influencer, Quirky Kitchen, followed up their initial Australia Day post with a recipe for mango Visy Boxes & More ice-cream. Mareeba 07 4092 1322 From the seven influencer drops, 11 pieces of coverage were secured. Several of Bowen 07 4785 2399 the targets amplified their posts across Ayr 07 4783 6778 additional channels, including Twitter and Facebook, which dramatically extended the reach. The total ‘Opportunities to See’ was a whopping 249,006. 1800 622 626 | www.visyboxesandmore.com.au

MANGO MATTERS MARCH 2015 AUTUMN 2015 PAGE 25 RESEARCH & POLICY Wild insects play important role in pollinating mangoes Native flies have come out as one of the top pollinators of mango trees. Not only are they among Quality project to align the most frequent visitors to the flowers, visiting 20% more frequently than bees, they were among the top transporters of pollen. industry standards The findings come from a study undertaken frequency (14% of all visits), and beetles With further funding, Romina hopes to by Romina Rader from the University acounted for less than 4% of all visits. In expand this work to examine pollen viability A major project to revamp the industry’s quality standards got underway this year with of New England who investigated the addition, different insect groups that made when transferred by different insects, efficiency of a range of different pollinators up the pollinator communities differed a lot pollinator visitation to other mango cultivars Terry Campbell at the helm. Mr Campbell is an experienced mango quality specialist that visit mango flowers (Keitt) on 10 farms among the 10 farms surveyed. and growing regions and to understand in the Mareeba region. They compared what other resources (i.e. food or nesting) from the Queensland Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (QDAFF) and In terms of the amount of pollen transferred how much pollen each insect transferred wild pollinators need at other times of the to a single mango flower, the native bee is the project’s Technical Manager. The project will guide the whole industry towards in a single flower visit, differences in the year. and several flies performed better than the numbers of species at each farm and honeybee. The native bee transferred, on Romina Rader is a Lecturer in understanding and meeting consumer expectations and will be a driving force towards differences in flower visiting behaviour. average, about seven pollen grains per Environmental Management at the achieving the industry’s aim of increasing grower profitability by 20%. Although the findings are only preliminary, it visit; the honey bee 2.7 pollen grains, the University of New England, Armidale. This shows the importance of insect movement blue blowfly about 6.8 pollen grains and the research was funded by a 2014 University to mango production. Pollinators, which black tip fly 4.2 pollen grains per visit. of New England seed grant awarded to During the season, research was standards and tell us what they think should understanding of the preferences and include native and introduced bees, flies, Romina Rader and Caroline Gross and Some flies, such as the black tip fly conducted that will give broader insight be included in the new standards,” he said. quality thresholds for mango flavour. beetles, moths and butterflies, contribute to was the subject of Sue Jaggar’s Masters (Rhinninae sp.) preferred to visit flowers in into our consumers as a basis to update the pollination of numerous leading global research. Please contact Romina if you are “The updated quality standards will “These results are being analysed but early the morning, while others, like the bibionid the standards so they deliver on the food crops. intersted in discussing any of these results remove ambiguity and confusion, and results show a good relationship between (Plecia sp.) were often more common visual and eating quality expectations further on [email protected] give more clarity to help mango growers consumer satisfaction and key parameters The study found 44 different insects visited in the afternoon/early evening. Visits at of our consumers. The findings of this produce a mango that will meet consumer such as dry matter, brix and the brix acid the flowers during the surveys. The twelve different times of the day may affect which research and the new industry wide quality expectations. There are a lot of similarities ratio. This shows the importance of getting most frequent visitors included two bee is the best pollinator as flowers are more standards will be presented for discussion, between the current standards used across the ripeness and maturity levels correct,” species (Family Apidae), nine flies from receptive to pollination in the morning than endorsement and adoption by the whole the industry and understanding how the Mr Campbell said. four families (Calliphoridae, Rhiniidae, in the late afternoon. industry at the 10th Australian Mango current standards are interpreted is key to Syrphidae, Bibionidae) and one beetle Conference. To make your views known, please contact Keeping these insects on your property developing a common language around (Tenebrionidae). Overall, flies visited AMIA. All submission will be strictly year-round will help with pollination while According to Mr Campbell, the standards product quality. The current standards mango flowers about 20% more frequently confidential. Mango Quality Standards the tree is in flower. Attracting and keeping that are in place across the industry were are not far off the mark and are a good than bees. The native bee, Tetragonula project (MG14504) is an ongoing project pollinators is as simple as giving them the developed in 1983, so it is high time to starting point for the industry to standardise carbonaria was the most common bee that is managed by QDAFF with the resources they need for their life cycle. review them to make sure they align with quality specifications and ensure they are accounting for 34% of all insect visits to support of AMIA using mango grower This may include planting native plants that what our consumers want. recognised and understood across the flowers. The European honeybee (Apis levies which are matched by the Australian produce lots of nectar and pollen at times industry,” Mr Campbell said. mellifera) accounted for about 14% of “We want to produce strong standards that Government through Horticulture Innovation when the mango tree is not in flower close all visits. Of the flies, the small black tip will be supported by the entire industry. So Dr Robert Henriod from QDAFF ran taste Australia. For more information on the to your orchard. Also, using pesticides that fly (Rhiniidae) visited with the highest in the lead up to the Conference, we are panels of regular mango consumers who please contact AMIA. are specific to the pest you’re targetting, calling on people from across the industry judged the eating quality of Kensington rather than a broad spectrum insecticide to provide their input into the current Pride and R2E2 mangoes to gain a greater Romina Radar (right) worked with 10 growers spray, will keep the numbers of pollinators in the Mareeba area to test the pollination higher. activities on their farms Technical Manager Terry Campbell worked with key retailers to train the QC staff

MANGO MATTERS DECEMBER 2014 AUTUMN 2015 PAGE 27 ABOUT THE PROJECT

The project was undertaken by Apple and Pear Australia Ltd (APAL) Cutting your electricity with assistance from a Federal Government grant. The information is relevant to mango growers who costs just got easier face many of the same costs, especially for their pack houses. The information will play in a part When it comes to electricity, you’ve got to spend money to save of the industry’s aim of increasing grower profits by 20% over five money – that’s the message from a recent project that looked at years. The project looked at five ways to reduce electricity costs for Australian producers. Watts aspects of energy use: in Your Business - helping fruit businesses cut energy use and Electricity tariffs costs monitored and reviewed the energy efficiency of 30 pack LIGHTING Despite what the electricity retailers say, houses and orchards Australia-wide, advising them on ways to tariffs are always negotiable. Electricity Use T5 fluorescent tubes retailers calculate electricity billing in a save money on their bills. Most older-style fluorescent tube lights use number of ways and build set charges significantly more energy for the same level Use high efficiency motors into the tariffs. Knowing what you have of light compared to newer types. T5 tubes and making sure it is the best solution For efficient irrigation, selecting appropriate consume around 28W and are the most to your needs is a great way to reduce pumps, motors and impellers to match energy efficient fluorescent type tubes on energy costs. your orchard’s varying irrigation needs TOP TIPS TO CUT ENERGY COSTS: the market. is important. Ideally motors should have variable speed controllers. High efficiency Use LED tubes Refrigeration in packing motors have improved service life and sheds ELECTRICITY LED tubes have reduced maintenance and energy efficiency and should be considered You can lock in your energy contract associated energy costs, an increased as an alternative to standard motors when Refrigeration is the biggest energy cost Shift electricity use to a time period for up to 3 years at today’s market lifespan and easier disposal of perished efficiency compared to older units. purchasing new motors. for fruit production, storage and packing when tariffs are lower. rates. This can be very cost effective tubes as they do not contain mercury, businesses. The project shows that Standard electric motors generally operate Inappropriate tariff regimes may result in and helps with budgeting and compared to florescent tubes. Automate irrigation control refrigeration consumes on average 64% at an 88% efficiency whereas High spending more on electricity consumption forecasting. Irrigation automation control can remotely of electricity, costing $85,000 a year. Efficiency Motors generally operate at a Use LED highbay bulbs. than necessary. Running irrigation pumps set the area, frequency, duration, start time There is however potential for savings. much higher efficiency of 93%. or refrigeration compressors during the LED highbay bulbs are an alternative for and end time of irrigation. It can limit the period of the lower off-peak tariff will save Use energy efficient equipment Install variable speed drives on some High Intensity Discharge (HID) bulbs. use of power to off-peak to take advantage Lighting in packing sheds They may require a significant capital costs on electricity. Newer equipment is, in general, more evaporative fan motors of cheaper pricing. This can also be done using basic timers for pumps or manually On average, lighting uses 3% of total energy efficient. Upgrading equipment Variable Speed Drives (VSDs) allow the Research the most suitable electricity turning irrigation on during off-peak times. electricity - just over $4,000 per year per can reduce energy consumption and power used by a motor to match the retailer and contract for your business. Automated systems can increase the facility. Despite small savings, improving associated costs. Common ways to reduce demand. A good example is evaporative LED bulbs can result in a 50% availability of staff and the reliability of lighting can be done easily at a low cost. Have a good understanding of your equipment’s energy usage include insulate fans in cool rooms. Logically, these are reduction in operating costs scheduling irrigation events. electrical requirements and usage, hot and cool pipework and install voltage designed for the period of maximum compare the rates and charges of energy Irrigation power optimisations (generally only viable demand. During periods of lower demand Design irrigation efficiently retailers and select the one that would be for a site that uses 500,000kWh or more a the fans can be larger than are required. investment but they have an extended Irrigation is a primary user of electricity most appropriate for you. You can also use year). A detailed irrigation design is essential to Variable speed drives allow them to run at lifespan, reduced maintenance costs, on an orchard. Upgrading irrigation an energy consultant/broker to do this for analyse and audit the performance of an lower cost in low demand periods. instantaneous strike and lower wattages. systems to newer technologies can save you. An energy consultant will also provide REFRIGERATION irrigation system. Design tools such as IrriCAD Pro and HydroCalc can be used to energy and money. account management throughout the Retrofitting variable speed drives to Replace halogen bulbs with LED lifetime of your energy contract. Optimise head pressure on evaporative fan motors can save an average build an irrigation design. As new blocks bulbs. are established, this opportunity should be Packing sheds refrigeration systems of $6,000 per year. Halogens and incandescent bulbs are considered. Most refrigeration systems operate with VSDs apply equally to other electric motors Packing lines take up a large amount frequently found in cold storage rooms and condenser fans cycled to maintain a set- such as the ones used on refrigeration of space but only consume around Increasing efficiency while reducing small storage areas. point. Minimising or varying head pressure compressors and irrigation pumps (see PACKING LINES 8% of total business electricity usage. farm costs will increase profit can reduce the temperature and increase right). Install lighting controls. Nevertheless there are some areas margins. Reduce air compressor leaks the efficiency of the refrigeration system. Daylight sensors can reduce power where the energy efficiency of packing Replace HCFC with ammonia To reduce air compressor leaks, inform consumption as they only enable lights lines can be easily improved with a small Optimising head pressure reduces power staff how to identify them and develop a refrigeration systems to be activated when low light levels are upfront investment. consumption by 3-12%. log or register to have any leaks quickly Most Hydrogen-chloro-fluorocarbons detected. Lighting controls can be fitted to Install power factor correction repaired. Central shut-off valves can also To view the full fact sheets or for more Automate cold storage doors (HCFC) are due for phase-down in 2016, all existing and new lighting types. Power factor is the ratio of real power be installed on equipment to ensure leaks information visit the APAL website so systems relying on them should be measured in kilowatts (kW), to the apparent Poor door seals and leaving doors open are minimised when not operating. at http://apal.org.au/watts-in-your- replaced. Converting to an ammonia power measured in kilovolt amperes (kVA). allows unwanted heat to enter cold storage IRRIGATION business/ system will not only achieve efficiencies in A Power Factor Correction (PFC) can rooms. To remove this heat again requires Solar hot water heaters energy use, but will also future-proof the Install variable speed drives on Watts in Your Business was funded reduce the demand charge by acting as a energy. Automated doors on cold stores A solar water heater system is a solar availability of the refrigerant. by the Department of Industry as part reactive power generator, reducing power minimises warm air entering. irrigation motors collector that is coated with a dark coloured of the Energy Efficiency Information loss. Replace inefficient compressor motors An upgrade to ammonia in a large apple A variable speed drive regulates the surface that absorbs the sun’s radiant heat Grants program and managed by and pear coolstore resulted in a 25% frequency of electrical power to match the (energy) and uses it to heat water. In most with high efficiency ones Apple and Pear Australia Ltd (APAL). Install a solar panel system. energy saving while peak demand was cut volume or pressure needs of an irrigation pack houses, hot water for the washer is The project was completed with Solar systems generate electricity to off-set High Efficiency Motors are built from by 60%. Peak demand can be a significant system. An irrigation motor with a variable generated through a water heater using assistance from KMH Environmantal. the purchase of electricity from the network. materials that allow greater operational factor in negotiation of tariff rates. speed drive can use up to 27% less energy. LPG or electricity as the energy source.

MANGO MATTERS MARCH 2015 AUTUMN 2015 PAGE 29 involved. By collaborating as an industry and having a holistic approach to exports, drumMUSTER and MANGOES AROUND we can all benefit. We will continue to work with exporters and industry players to drive exports in the lead up to next season,” Mr ChemClear satisfy mango THE WORLD Gray said. The Mango Export Plan 2014 – 2017 aims NEW growers’ needs to double mango exports by the 2016 / Exports to be discussed at 2017 mango season. The Export Plan MINOR USE For the last 15 years, thousands of chemical users have relied focusses on four key areas: PERMITS on drumMUSTER to regularly dispose of their empty agvet • Supply Chain Collaboration: Support the Conference the development of export markets chemical containers. by facilitating collaboration between This week AMIA exporters and other stakeholders. “The process of gaining access to the Export opportunities for • Develop a Protocol Strategy: Collate has been successful US market and implementing the on During this time, the program has recycled Since entering the agricultural waste sector information concerning protocols for Australian mangoes will ground activities associated with the work in gaining APVMA over 24 million drums and continues to in 2003, the program has collected more all countries into a single definitive plan practices has given a lot of insight be the most successful agvet container than 455,000 litres of hazardous chemicals. document approval for two new be up for discussion at the to practices and processes that can be recycling program in Australia. minor use permits for Preparations for the 2015 Queensland upcoming 10th Australian improved industry wide and we look • Supply Quantity Strategy: Engage A significant milestone is expected to be ChemClear collection in May-June are forward to discussing these issues with growers to ensure there is an adequate products in the mango reached in 2015, with the impressive 25 underway, with Program Manager Lisa Mango Conference to be held those who were involved with the initial supply of mangoes available for export markets throughout the season. industry. millionth container just around the corner. Nixon forecasting a big year for the in Darwin in May. shipments ,” Mr Gray said. program. • Assessment and Review of Market “We are approaching a momentous time Our new 3-year export plan was developed Attractiveness by Country: Using These permits are: in the program’s history and there are less “We’ve had a lot of interest from primary Exports to the US, improving phytosanitary just prior to the season and since then cost-benefit analysis, measure the than 100,000 containers to be collected producers and other agvet chemical users protocols and new technology that will we have been laying the ground work to attractiveness by country to provide • Permit No. 14380. before we reach the 25 million mark,” said that have registered their surplus stocks improve disinfestation will be on the achieve our aim of doubling exports over clarity for potential opportunities. chlorothalonil Bravo Mr McGann. over the last 12 months. We are expecting table as industry players discuss ways the next three years. Mr Gray said the this figure to rise above 35 tonnes when the of collaborating to meet market demand. industry is starting to see results. The Export Plan has been developed by Weather Stik fungicide drumMUSTER operates 796 collection sites booking line closes,” said Ms Nixon. The conference will be an opportunity for AMIA with the assistance of the Northern (NSW, Qld, WA, NT) across Australia. To find your nearest site, exporters and growers to further build “Early estimates indicate exports in the first Territory Department of Primary Industry simply enter your postcode and state under Users with unwanted chemicals are half of the season increased significantly, Permit expires 30 Nov relationships that will continue to build our and Fisheries, the Queensland Department ‘Collection locations’ on the drumMUSTER encouraged to visit the ChemClear website exports but we are waiting for the full season results of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, 2017. website (www.drummuster.com.au). A map (www.chemclear.com.au) to register for before we get too excited. There are a lot Trade and Investment Queensland and the will appear with the closest site in your area collection before 27 March 2015. AMIA CEO Robert Gray said that this of benefits to being involved with exporting Western Australia Department of Agriculture • Permit No. 14970. marked. season has been an exciting one for and I hope it is something that all growers The collection is partly funded by the QLD and Food. Ethephon (Ethrel 720 exports. are considering, if they are not already For chemical users who have implemented Department of Environment and Heritage. plus other registered responsible waste management The funding will be used to subsidise the “Not only did we gain access to the US products) (NT, Qld and procedures and know too well the costs to primary producers registering their market this season, but the Department of WA only). Permit expires frustration of having leftover chemical, out of date, deregistered and unknown Agriculture recently advised that Australian Order drumMUSTER’s sister program ChemClear agvet chemicals. mangoes now have access to the Planting Grafted Trees 31 March 2018. is available. Indonesian market under irradiation. Access drumMUSTER and ChemClear NOW to Indonesia will provide another avenue for Mango Please ensure you get a ChemClear provides Australian agricultural congratulate the growing band of mango our fruit to our neighbours. We will continue copy of the permit from and veterinary chemical users with a growers who are already being proactive to work with the Department of Agriculture collection and disposal pathway for their with farm waste recycling. AMIA prior to use of to improve access to current markets with Trees? unwanted chemicals. significant potential such as China and either product and ensure Contact www.chemclear.com.au or 1800 002 182. Korea,” he said. Birdwood Nursery is a you fully understand the specialist Fruit Tree nursery, appropriate use of both Exports to the U.S. were a success this year—read more on page 32. supplying wholesale quantities of products. Below: USDA inspector, verifying the documentation and packaging the highest quality fruit trees to commercial compliance, second shipment at Los Angeles airport. growers and retail nurseries throughout Australia. Generating data and ≥ Highest quality trees guaranteed developing the information ≥ We deliver to order on time to gain these permits was ≥ Specialist large order supplier funded through mango ≥ Approved propagator of most cultivars ≥ Efficient palletised transport levies, with matching ≥ Despatch to all mainland states funding from the Federal Fully accredited worlds best practice growing facilities. Government and managed by Horticulture Innovation Australia BIRDWOOD NURSERY Phone 07 5442 1611 E. [email protected] Est.1978 www.birdwoodnursery.com.au

MANGO MATTERS MARCH 2015 AUTUMN 2015 PAGE 31 Australian mangoes make an Australian mangoes heat impression in the US things up on Australia Day “South Korea has a large population, The United States of America is the world’s biggest importer of mangoes, with over many of whom appreciate the high quality of Australian mangoes. It is in close 350,000 tonnes imported annually, and the market is growing in both volume and value. in South Korea proximity to Australia, making logistics Treena Welch, AMIA Marketing Manager more manageable. In addition, the recent The recent agreement of a pilot market access program between the US and Australia has Korea Australia Free Trade Agreement meant that Australian mangoes now have the opportunity to make an impression on this Even if the snow was falling and the temperature outside was has strengthened ties between the two countries,” Ms Welch said. market, whose consumers have an appetite for high eating quality mangoes. far below zero, it didn’t take away from the Australia Day Currently mangoes imported into South celebrations happening in Seoul, South Korea. Korea need to be treated using Vapour they liked the idea that they were buying the US retailers and consumers are looking Heat Treatment. AMIA is working towards first mangoes from Australia. for a ripe and ready to eat mango, one Showcasing Australia was the Australian “The excitement and support that Australian doubling the export market over three years that they can consume that day or next, Central Market, working with the importer, Embassy in Korea’s biennial celebration mangoes received at the event is a sign of and improving protocols to current export and they don’t want to mess with trying to featured this first shipment ever of of Australia Day, showcasing Australia and the strength of the market and demand for markets like South Korea is a focus of this ripen it. Figuring how to achieve that value Australian mangoes with prominent, its produce. It was held at the Grand Hyatt Australia’s favourite fruit. At this stage R2E2 plan. add from Australia will be an important larger than normal displays and importer Seoul on the 29th January and attended is the only variety to be exported to Korea challenge for exporters. As well as promoting Australian mangoes and store developed POS. The importer by over 2,000 people, including Australia’s and consumers are really loving it. They’re and cherries, Showcasing Australia also supported this with an active social media Ambassador to South Korea, William captivated by the size, colour and beautiful The two initial commercial shipments were promoted Australian beef and lamb, campaign on Facebook and Twitter, further Paterson, key retailers, fresh produce blush, and they love the flavour. Koreans sent in February and proved the market beer, wine and speciality foods including POS and in-store sampling and tasting in importers, the media and dignitaries. are no different from Australians - they’re access pathway and will lay the platform for lamingtons and pavlova. The event five of the stores. The second shipment looking for mangoes that are a consistent in bigger programs in 2015/16 and beyond. Horticulture Innovation Australia showcased included a fashion show, live performances was sold to upmarket retailers in New York, quality and flavour,” she said. The initial shipment of Calypso left Brisbane Australian mangoes and cherries at the and a photo exhibition. Missouri, Arizona and Texas. bound for Los Angeles by air on the 5th event to build awareness and increase Koreans have access to mangoes year Central Markets in Texas sold the first shipment of Thank you to Diamond Star for their Different, but very enthusiastic, importers demand for the categories. On the night round due to imports from the Philippines February. This was quickly followed up by Australian mangoes for $3.99USD per piece generous contribution of excellent quality were used for each shipment. Once the guests were treated with delicious “taste of and Thailand, but Australian mangoes are a shipment of Keitt on the 12th February, mangoes, to Trade and Investment fruit arrived, both importers wasted no time summer” including fresh mango samples, completely different from these mangoes also to Los Angeles from Brisbane. Other Queensland and the Australian Embassy in than the initial shipment being diverted sending sample boxes of their ‘first ever mango sorbet and a gift bag with an which are long and yellow. of Agriculture (USDA), along with Korea for their financial support. A special to Ontario, CA, for three hours due to fog shipment of Australian mangoes’ to retail Australian mango and box of cherries to the irradiation facility. Once this was There has been significant growth in thanks to Joanne Pearce and her team of at LAX, both shipments arrived smoothly. and food service buyers throughout the take home. completed, trade could commence. mango export to South Korea over the past volunteers at the Australian Embassy in They were quickly cleared by the US CBP country, introducing them to these new Growers participating in the US program Australian Mango Industry Association two years. This year, over 60 tonnes of Korea whose tireless organisational efforts port inspector and transported to their varieties from Australia and priming them had to document and record pest scout Marketing Manager, Treena Welch, was at mangoes were exported to South Korea, up in the months, weeks and days leading up respective distribution centres. for the 2015/16 season. monitoring for pests of concern for the US the event and said that Australian mangoes from 25 tonnes the previous year, and three to the event ensured Australian mangoes The first shipment was sold to Central Australia has been negotiating market and ensure their chemical spray program were a standout favourite and the response tonnes during the 2012 / 2013 season. were a stand out success. Market, an up market supermarket chain in access since 1999. Since it was granted in was compliant with the US and chemicals was overwhelming. Texas. Australian mangoes arrived at nine September 2013 AMIA has been working that are not registered in the US were not Central Market stores on 11th February and closely with the Australia Department of used. In addition, the USDA requires a were sold out by Sunday 15th February. Agriculture to ensure the working protocol special insect proof box to ensure there The mangoes were immediately very was of the most benefit to Australian is no chance of insect reinfestation. The popular with consumers and store staff mango growers. industry worked with Orora to prepare the alike. The bright yellow and red fruit has boxes which were delivered to participating Once the pilot program was agreed very high visual appeal and the fruit, which growers. On the US side, importers had between Australian and US officials were mostly ripe, ate sweet and juicy. to apply for USDA import permits, and December 2014, growers and packing Consumers commented on the appearance AMIA worked closely with Department of sheds were invited to register for the and flavour, then purchased mangoes to Agriculture and interested importers to US program. Once registered, they take home or give as a gift or both. The complete that step. At least one importer needed to pass a Department of average purchase seemed to be two fruits, prefers to source fruit from growers Agriculture compliance verification before with the occasional customer buying five! registered with GlobalGAP or equivalent. being audited by the US Department Australia resonated with the consumer and Guests were treated to ‘a taste of summer’ A special acknowledgement is due to Michael Daysh (left), who represented the Australian Mango Industry in the USA, all those involved; to the officers within with Ben Reilly (right) from importer Giumarra on arrival at Los Angeles. the Horticulture Exports Program of the Department of Agriculture and to staff within AMIA. To the growers involved; Alvise and Noalene Brazzale, Manbulloo, One Harvest and Pinata Farms; to Orora Packaging, Steritech, Mainfreight and the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, to Giumarra and Melissa’s World Variety Produce and their freight forwarders and to Central Market. This project is supported by the Northern Territory Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries and the Australian Mango Joanne Pearce from the Australian Embassy in Korea and William Paterson, Australian Ambassador to Korea with AMIA Marketing Industry Association, and funded by Mangoes were a stand out favourite Horticulture Innovation Australian Ltd. Manager Treena Welch

MANGO MATTERS MARCH 2015 AUTUMN 2015 PAGE 33 DATES TO REMEMBER

26 March, 2015 6 May, 2015 Darwin Mango Small Group HIA Regional Tour, from 5pm to Meeting, from 10.30am - 1pm 7pm, followed by networking at Skliros Packing Shed, and BBQ at the Mareeba United Hopewell Rd, Berry Springs. Football Club, Borizi Park, Please RSVP to Warren Hunt cnr Chewko Rd and Jennings on 0409 809 610 or email Rd, Mareeba. Please register for THE 10TH AUSTRALIAN MANGO CONFERENCE [email protected] catering purposes via the HIA website: www.horticulture.com.au 22 April, 2015 HIA Regional Tour, from 25-28 May, 2015 4:30pm to 6:30pm, followed 10th Australian Mango by networking and BBQ Conference, Darwin at Rowers on the River, 2 Toonburra St, Bundaberg. Please register for catering 28 September to purposes via the HIA website: 2 October, 2015 www.horticulture.com.au XI International Mango Symposium, Darwin

Printing solutions DARWIN 25-28 MAY 2015 that adapt to your business HOSTED BY THE AUSTRALIAN MANGO INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION

PLASTIC THERMOFORMERS Labels for fruit & vegetables, pallets, punnets, barcodes, Transform Coles & Woolworths 07 5456 1888 1800 626 562 your packaging crate tags, suppliers   of thermal printers Plastic thermoforming [email protected] and manufacturers www.stickerco.com.au of fruit liner inserts and 16 Southern Cross punnets, Australian owned The 10th Australian Mango Conference, hosted by AMIA, Cct Qld 4655 will be held in Darwin from the 25 to 28 May 2015. It is an 7 / 24 Hoopers Rd Kunda Park Qld 4556 opportunity for the entire mango industry to come [email protected] www.qpak.org together to Celebrate, Collaborate and Create.

MANGO MATTERS DECEMBER 2014 AUTUMN 2015 PAGE 35 Thank you! We’d like to thank our supply partners for their support during the 2014 Mango season and we are looking forward to the season ahead!

429076 Mango Matters Magazine Ad 2015_A4.indd 2 4/03/2015 6:02 pm