The Potential for a New Value Adding Industry for Noni Tropical Fruit Producers by Helen Macpherson, Jeff Daniells, Brett Wedding and Craig Davis August 2007 RIRDC Publication No 07/132 RIRDC Project No DAQ-328A © 2007 Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation. All rights reserved. ISBN 1 74151 529 7 ISSN 1440-6845 The Potential for a New Value Adding Industry for Noni Tropical Fruit Producers Publication No. 07/132 Project No. DAQ-328A The information contained in this publication is intended for general use to assist public knowledge and discussion and to help improve the development of sustainable regions. You must not rely on any information contained in this publication without taking specialist advice relevant to your particular circumstances. While reasonable care has been taken in preparing this publication to ensure that information is true and correct, the Commonwealth of Australia gives no assurance as to the accuracy of any information in this publication. The Commonwealth of Australia, the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC), the authors or contributors expressly disclaim, to the maximum extent permitted by law, all responsibility and liability to any person, arising directly or indirectly from any act or omission, or for any consequences of any such act or omission, made in reliance on the contents of this publication, whether or not caused by any negligence on the part of the Commonwealth of Australia, RIRDC, the authors or contributors. The Commonwealth of Australia does not necessarily endorse the views in this publication. This publication is copyright. Apart from any use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, all other rights are reserved. However, wide dissemination is encouraged. Requests and inquiries concerning reproduction and rights should be addressed to the RIRDC Publications Manager on phone 02 6271 4165 Researcher Contact Details Helen Macpherson Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries 19 Hercules Street Hamilton Qld 4007 Phone: 07 3406 8589 Fax: 07 3406 8677 Email: [email protected] In submitting this report, the researcher has agreed to RIRDC publishing this material in its edited form. RIRDC Contact Details Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation Level 2, 15 National Circuit BARTON ACT 2600 PO Box 4776 KINGSTON ACT 2604 Phone: 02 6271 4100 Fax: 02 6271 4199 Email: [email protected]. Web: http://www.rirdc.gov.au Published in August 2007 Printed on environmentally friendly paper by Canprint ii Foreword Morinda citrifolia (noni) grows widely throughout the Pacific and is native to Australia. It is a source of traditional medicine in coastal Aboriginal communities in Cape York, the Pacific Islands and South East Asia, and in recent years has experienced significant economic growth worldwide through a variety of health and cosmetic claims. The largest markets for noni are North America, Europe, Japan, Mexico, Asia and Australia with the worldwide market for these products estimated at US$400 million. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential for a new value adding industry for noni producers. Researchers examined existing literature on the plant Morinda citrifolia (noni) and its juice extract and assessed the agronomic best practices, the fermentation process and the supposed therapeutic effects. An independent market research report on the global noni juice market is included indicating market opportunities and potential returns to Australian producers. In examining existing literature, current agronomic practices, fermentation processes and preliminary market information, the researchers concluded that further research will be required to fully explore the potential of this crop for successful cultivation and profitability. Some areas of need for future research include: • Costs of production and returns and gross margins analysis. • Identification of the microflora and mechanisms of action involved in the reported anaerobic fermentation process. • Compositional analysis of macro and micro ingredients. • Significant research to confirm the bioactivity of the various products including animal studies and clinical trials. This project was funded from RIRDC Core Funds which are provided by the Australian Government. This report, an addition to RIRDC’s diverse range of over 1600 research publications, forms part of our Essential Oils and Plant Extracts R&D program, which aims to support the growth of a profitable and sustainable essential oils and natural plant extracts industry in Australia. Most of our publications are available for viewing, downloading or purchasing online through our website: • downloads at www.rirdc.gov.au/fullreports/index.html • purchases at www.rirdc.gov.au/eshop Peter O’Brien Managing Director Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation iii Acknowledgments We thank Phillipe Petiniaud from Australian Noni Producers Inc. for providing information from growers on practices and market potential. We thank AIC for permission to include their market research report on noni juice. Abbreviations CTAHR University of Hawaii at Manoa, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources EFSA European Food Safety Authority FDA Food and Drug Administration HACCP Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point IP Intellectual Property TGA Therapeutic Goods Administration iv Contents Foreword............................................................................................................................................... iii Acknowledgments................................................................................................................................. iv Abbreviations........................................................................................................................................ iv Contents.................................................................................................................................................. v List of Figures....................................................................................................................................... vi List of Tables......................................................................................................................................... vi Executive Summary ............................................................................................................................ vii Methodology .......................................................................................................................................... 1 Review of agronomic best practices..................................................................................................... 2 Introduction ......................................................................................................................................... 2 Botany ................................................................................................................................................. 2 Origin and Distribution ....................................................................................................................... 2 Ecology................................................................................................................................................ 3 General Characteristics........................................................................................................................ 4 Tree.................................................................................................................................................. 4 Flowers............................................................................................................................................ 4 Pollination and Fruit Set.................................................................................................................. 4 Fruit ................................................................................................................................................. 4 Genetics............................................................................................................................................... 5 Cultural Practices ................................................................................................................................ 6 Propagation & Nursery Management.............................................................................................. 6 Field Preparation & Planting........................................................................................................... 7 Canopy Management....................................................................................................................... 7 Irrigation.......................................................................................................................................... 8 Crop Nutrition ................................................................................................................................. 8 Pest Management ............................................................................................................................ 8 Weeds.............................................................................................................................................. 8 Harvesting ....................................................................................................................................... 8 In Closing ...........................................................................................................................................