Fresh produce leaders across Australia and New Zealand gained key economic insights into Asia, India and greater Hong Kong at a breakfast boardroom hosted by the International Fresh Produce Association of Australia-New Zealand (IFPA A-NZ) ahead of Asia Fruit Logistica.

ANZ Bank economist for Greater China, Vicky Zhou, shared insights with the local delegation into China’s food security and agricultural import diversification, property downturn and its impact on consumption, and key risks facing the Chinese and global economy.

She also provided an update on India’s economic and agricultural trade outlook amid the AI boom and higher oil prices.

ANZ Bank Head of Australian Agribusiness, Mark Bennett, said the presentation provided important context for A-NZ businesses seeking to strengthen their engagements with some of the world’s most significant growth regions.

“China is shifting its growth engine from property and mass manufacturing toward high-tech sectors, specifically AI, semiconductors, Electric Vehicles, batteries, and solar. There's a shift of focus from price and volume to delivering products recognised for their high quality by the rest of the world,” Mr Bennett said.

“Domestic agricultural expansion is a top priority for China. While this may impact fresh produce trade dynamics, strong demand for counter-seasonal imports is anticipated to persist.”

Redland Premium Fruit Senior Business Development Manager, Daniel Lutman, an Australian leading fresh produce business, said the boardroom provided beneficial insights into key market trends and the implications for global industry and investment.

“India presents a major trade opportunity for our region, driven by ongoing infrastructure upgrades that improve fresh produce logistics across the region,” Mr Lutman said.

“The information was concise and relevant and tailored specifically to our industry and the opportunities for Australia and New Zealand.”

Horticulture New Zealand has forecast horticulture export revenue will increase 7% to $9.5 billion in the year to 30 June 2026, driven by record export volumes of kiwifruit and apples as well as elevated prices for kiwifruit.

Hort Innovation recently announced Australian horticultural exports were up 13 per cent on the previous year, totalling $3.78 billion - more than doubling over the past decade.

IFPA A-NZ Managing Director, Belinda Wilson, said Asia continued to play an increasingly influential role in fresh produce trade, and the NZ-India Free Trade Agreement made India a strategic growth corridor for A-NZ.

“Bringing people together, learning from each other and creating strong country-to-country relationships is one of the most impactful ways we can support long-term growth and resilience across the sector,” she said.

“Thanks to ANZ Bank for providing data-driven and statistical insights that started important conversations. It was fantastic to see our members collectively digesting the information and sharing ideas about how it can benefit their own business and Australia-New Zealand trade more broadly.”

Asia Fruit Logistica is being held 2-4 September in Hong Kong. Attended by 14,000 trade visitors from 80 nations, it covers the entire fresh produce industry value chain and service support companies, offering a unique opportunity to gather essential market information on every aspect of fresh produce throughout the Asian region.