The introduction of Lychees to Australia around 150 years ago, and in these 150 years, the industry has evolved from being a “small exotic fruit” industry to a growing and thriving industry. The industry of Australian Lychees is represented by its Peak Industry Body, the Australian Lychee Growers Association (ALGA) and the company’s annual production ranges from 2500-3000 tonnes. There are approximately. 250 lychee orchards spreading across the region, lychees can be picked from the end of October in Far North Queensland to early April in New South Wales.

“The industry enjoys a distinct advantage over other suppliers in global markets because the only country that offers an unmatched high-quality, controlled fresh fruit lychee. Australia’s Lychee season is in addition the seasonality of any Northern Hemisphere lychee growing regions and is another distinct benefit. Demand for Australian fruit is increasing. rising not only in Australia but also in overseas markets. Export market opportunities are emerging to all growers, and the Australian Lychee Industry is committed to developing new export markets and expanding the existing markets for exports,” explains Jill Houser Director of Operations, Australian Lychee Growers Association

International Markets

The Australian industry of lychees has been exporting to foreign destinations for over 30 years. A majority of these are non-quarantine, which allows any grower who has excellent quality pre- and post-harvest control as well as industry-standard specifications for grading their product. Countries that are not quarantined that Australian Lychees are sold are: Hong Kong, Canada, Singapore, Malaysia, UK, Europe and UAE.

Countries requiring certification for phytosanitary reasons that Australian lychees have obtained market access to are: New Zealand, The US (excluding the State of Florida) and Indonesia.

“ALGA has filed requests for market access to Australian Lychee to Vietnam, Thailand, China and Taiwan with the intention of submitting more market access proposals to India, South Korea and Japan in the coming twelve months. Exports of lychee have seen a significant increase, with variations due to seasonal fluctuations. The annual production currently meets the demand for domestic consumption and production in the range of. 20-25% of the production going to export markets.

“Over the last 5-10 years, there’s been more plantings of Kwai Mai Pink. Kwai Mai Pink variety as in addition to newer varieties such as Chompogo, Baitaying and Erdon Lee. Industry experts are predicting that there will be an increase in annual tonnage when these new plants mature. In light of the projected expansion of production in the Australian industry of lychees, it is vital for the industry to keep looking at the future market for exports. The industry has identified important areas that are located in East as well as South-East Asia countries where Australian Lychees can be exported in this Northern Hemisphere off season. It is possible that the fruit will be offered consumers at the time of gifts at Chinese New Year, Lunar New Year Festivals, spring festival time as well as the Pagoda Festivity.”

Varieties

It is the Kwai Mai Pink lychee is the most popular variety grown in Australia. It’s highly praised by Australian clients/consumers due to its attractiveness and shelf-life, flavor as well as price. Kwai Mai Pink has become the primary export variety, especially for export to Hong Kong, USA and Canada. The late-crop Wai Chee is also gaining popularity as an export variety, with its small seeds Salathiel loved by purchasers in Singapore. The other varieties that are well-known include Tai So, Fay Zee Siu, Souey Tung, Sah Keng and Kaimana.

In the last 10 years the newer kinds have been developed, which are now becoming a hit in the eyes of Australian farmers and buyers. This includes Chompogo, Baitaying, Erdon Lee, Linsansue, Red Ball, Sansuelin and Shuang Balia. In light of poor fruit set and uneven flowering, cultivators are now putting in many of the latest kinds and are gradually eliminating those older, less desirable varieties such as Tai So, Fay Zee Siu and Souey Tung.

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Jill Houser

Australian Lychee Growers Association

Tel: +61 417 639 927

algaeo@australianlychee.com.au

www.australianlychee.com.au/