Exporter set for switch to citrus

Exporter Australia Fruits is getting ready for a big season in citrus fruits after a busy summer that saw it exporting a range of products to its main markets in Asia and the Pacific.

The firm’s Vince Brullo says that it spent the summer shipping out cherries, peaches, nectarines and plums, and is now turning its attention to oranges, navels, apples, and pears.

Brullo says, “The best thing about our business is our customers; we specialize in mixed consignments. From Airfreight to Sea shipments to markets like Thailand, Brunei, Cambodia, Malaysia, Tahiti, Fiji and even Papua New Guinea, we are always moving fruit and vegetables that are in season. In fact, we move lots of vegetables from alfalfa to zucchini and everything in between.”

The firm prides itself on being able to satisfy a range of customers, large and small. Brullo says, “We have daily mixed airfreight shipments and weekly mixed sea shipments. Our customers don’t have to buy a full load of one item. We have the facility to mix and match to suit their needs from our facility in Melbourne Markets.”

Since it caters to a wide range of needs, Australia Fruits finds demand steady. Brullo says, “It doesn’t stop! People need to eat, and our clients’ customers love fresh and high-quality Australian product. One season just rolls into the next.”

That’s true even if prices are a bit on the high side. “Prices are up this season, due to increased fuel prices, increased fertiliser prices and fuel surcharges implemented by airlines and shipping lines. High prices are not the best for our customers, but as long as we deliver high-quality product they will continue to buy as demand for Australian product is still there, even if it’s in niche markets.”

The quality has been excellent this year, particularly in cherries and stonefruit, although grapes have proved challenging. Brullo says, “The grapes were a battle due to rain in the growing regions.”

Sea freight is a bit down altogether compared with previous years, but Australia Fruits has had enough demand for its airfreight programs to tick along well. It’s been challenging though, with the poor weather for grapes affecting volume. Fuel surcharges have affected prices strongly, even if Australia Fruits has tried to absorb as much as it can. Realistically, the firm is left relying on customer loyalty. “We’re very fortunate to have loyal customers. Australia Fruits has been trading for over 20 years. We’ve faced many challenges from droughts to flooding rains to global wars and Covid that affect world markets. One thing we have learnt is to roll with the punches and keep doing the right thing by our customers.”

Brullo expects a good year to come despite the challenges, and he’s looking forward to exhibiting at Asia Fruit Logistica, where Australia Fruits will be in the Australia Pavilion – Stand No: 3G-01. From citrus back around to cherries and stonefruit, he says, “It doesn’t stop for us.”

For more information:
Vince Brullo
Australia Fruits
Tel: +61 3 9338 8245
vince@austfruits.com.au
www.austfruits.com.auPublication date: Thu 4 Jun 2026

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