A NORTH Queensland farm is the first to export exotic achacha fruit on a large scale to Hong Kong.
Originally an Amazonian forest fruit known as an achachairu (or ‘honey kiss’), the Achacha is a small, golden, oval fruit with white flesh and a refreshing sweet and tangy flavour.
Achacha Fruit Plantations run the world’s biggest commercial achacha farm at Giru, near Townsville. It flew 1350kg of fruit – more than 30,000 pieces of fruit – to Wing Kee Produce, a distributor of fresh foods to Hong Kong and Macau.
Achacha Fruit Plantations chief executive officer Bruce Hill said support from Trade and Investment Queensland (TIQ) had been critical in securing the export deal.
“A TIQ trade adviser with experience in Hong Kong introduced us to the importer last month and after a few email exchanges, they placed an order very quickly,” Mr Hill said.
“We already export to the Middle East, UK and North America, but it’s great to add another premium market like Hong Kong to our export destinations.
“This first shipment has gone so well that Wing Kee Produce is already talking about placing a second order.
“They’re a pleasure to work with and it’s a relationship that we hope to continue next year and into the future.”
The achacha harvest generally runs from January to April.
Treasurer Curtis Pitt said the achacha shipment was a milestone for Queensland.
“I’m proud to say that Queensland Achachas are now on sale in Hong Kong as a premium product,” Mr Pitt said.
“Not only will achachas introduce a unique new flavour to Hong Kong palates, they’ll spread the message that Queensland farmers grow some of the world’s most exotic and exclusive produce.
“I hope that every year around this time we’ll be sharing some of Queensland’s achacha harvest with the people of Hong Kong.”