LIVING salads and compostable packaging are just two developments that could propel the Australian vegetable industry to new heights in Asia.
Horticulture Innovation Limited (HIA) in conjunction with Ausveg commissioned research to look at successful vegetable innovations commercially available overseas that could be used by Australian supply chain stakeholders.
Euromonitor International conducted the research into fresh and minimally processed vegetables over a 10 month period in 2014 and 2015 to identify new, relevant and commercially viable solutions.
Project Leader Umesh Madhavan said from the 40 global innovations identified, 10 innovations shortlisted by HIA were further investigated.
The shortlist includes fresh vegetable snack packs; peel‐and‐reseal lidding films to enhance produce freshness; living salads (pots of growing baby salad leaves ready to be freshly harvested at home and picked prior to consumption); QR codes on packaging to inform consumers of the different food varieties and indicate the origins of the produce; and environmentally friendly compostable packaging.
“The shortlisted innovations are highly relevant to Australian growers looking to differentiate themselves from lower‐priced, locally grown Asian produce,” Mr Madhavan said.
“New infrastructural developments and the modernisation of grocery retailing channels, coupled with rising consumer affluence across Asia, will create a retail and operations environment more conducive to helping Australian growers benefit from the adoption of select vegetable innovations.
“Our research also involved trade interviews with government officials, trade associations, growers, importers, wholesalers and retailers in markets, where an innovation was first conceptualised and/or commercially available, to help shed light on understanding the innovation’s compatibility with Australian produce and their effectiveness at enhancing Australian exports to Asian markets.”
