Great Wall Economy exports Chinese apples to Australia.
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After two years of waiting, Great Wall Economy of China is able to export apples to Australia. "We worked so hard to obtain this certificate and the procedure was tough. We prepared for two years and made sure we met all the requirements. Representatives from Australia visited our company for inspection in October last year. And then on Dec. 25 Australia signed the certificate," says Great Wall's Celia Kong.
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Hebei Jinzhou Great Wall Economy is the flagship packer and exporter of pears and apples from Hebei Province, China. This is the first season since the 1920s that China has been allowed to export apples to Australia. Of the 900 tons of apples permitted, Great Wall will export only 400 tons. They are now exporting Fuji, sizes 72# to 125#. The first shipment was one container consisting of 2.1 tons. The first container was followed by 6 more. Canada is the other destination for their products.
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"Our Fuji apples passed thorough inspection. Australia has a very strict rules in allowing fruit and vegetables to enter their country. We submitted and passed the requirements and this is a chance for Australian people to taste Fuji apples from Hebei province. Our apples are fresh and of good quality. We are confident with the quality, Australian inspectors came here to inspect the Fuji apples from our country and they would not have given us certificates or permission if they had doubts with the quality," added Celia.
Importing apples from China is a big challenge to Australian growers. It was even reported that there is a campaign going on to ignore the imported Fuji apples. Big retailers are also sympathizing with the local growers and agreed not to purchase the Fuji apples imported from China.
Meanwhile, Great Wall has remained positive despite reports that their apples are "illegal" for not showing the origin of the apples. On every sticker, you will only find Great Wall and not "China" but on every box you will find China as the origin. Though this is not an issue at all for Great Wall, who say they are open to changes if necessary.
Great Wall will continue exporting Fuji apples to Australia despite the accusations. They believe that having this opportunity will serve as an inspiration in expanding their market and perhaps, introduce other varieties in the coming years.