The Australian Pavilion at Asia Fruit Logistica 2008 will feature 22 Australian producers and industry representatives, helping to promote premium Australian fruit and vegetable produce to key buyers and distributors from Hong Kong and across Asia.

The display has been supported by the Australian Trade Commission (Austrade) and Horticulture Australia.

Austrade's Hong Kong-based senior trade commissioner, Phil Ingram, said the trade fair offered the opportunity to showcase the best of Australian produce and highlight the potential for Australian growers to service Asia's diversifying consumer tastes and growing demand for fresh fruit.

"Fast-moving and fast-growing are hallmarks of the fruit market in North East Asia, and as a region where much of the world's population is concentrated, the consumer market looks set to become the largest in the world," Mr Ingram said.

"A wide range of representatives from the international fresh produce business will attend, including importers, growers, wholesalers, distributors, retailers, caterers, and food industry associations.

"Austrade offices around Asia are also bringing over 100 buyers to Hong Kong specifically to meet Australian suppliers at this event."

Mr Ingram said that Hong Kong, as a mature market that offered exporters the opportunity to reach nearby territories, is the perfect location for Asia Fruit Logistica.

"Hong Kong is a food import-dependent market with minimal domestic agricultural production and a small food processing industry," he said.

"Total exports to Hong Kong were worth $4.4 billion in 2007, with Australia enjoying a strong trade surplus.

"Food exports comprised over $825 million – worth over 29pc of total exports.

"With imports of fruit growing at around 9pc, Asia Fruit Logistica is a particularly important opportunity to showcase Australian strengths and add to existing exports of over $89 million."

Australian citrus fruits, avocadoes, mangoes, berries and melons have all experienced export growth to Hong Kong in recent years.

"We are seeing an increasing trend towards healthy, functional and organic foods which is reflected in the introduction of more of these products in retail channels," Mr Ingram said.

"Add to that the fact that a significant portion of imports is also re-exported to mainland China and Macau, as well as other Asian countries, Asia Fruit Logistica represents an important stepping stone to Hong Kong’s lucrative market and beyond."