Exhibiting at Asia Fruit Logistica 2025

Hort Innovation Australia Limited is a grower-owned, not-for-profit research and development corporation serving Australia’s $16 billion horticulture industry. Established in 2014 as a successor to Horticulture Australia Limited (HAL), the company is one of 15 Rural Research and Development Corporations (RDCs) in Australia and plays a pivotal role in driving innovation, marketing, trade development, and long-term strategic investment in the nation’s horticultural sector.

Core Business and Activities

Hort Innovation’s operations are structured around three strategic pillars:

1. Research and Development (R&D) – Managing more than $120 million in annual R&D investments, funded through industry levies and co-investment from the Australian Government and industry partners.
2. Marketing – Delivering large-scale, targeted marketing campaigns to grow demand for Australian horticulture products domestically and globally.
3. Trade and Export Development – Supporting market access, trade partnerships, and international growth for Australian horticultural exporters.

Hort Innovation also delivers its mission through:

• Hort IQ – A centralized intelligence platform for market, consumer, and supply chain insights.
• Hort Frontiers – A strategic partnership initiative funding long-term cross-industry projects that address future production, sustainability, and workforce challenges.

Specialisation and USP

Hort Innovation stands out for its grower-centric governance model, national coverage, and strategic investment approach. Its unique selling propositions include:

• Dual Investment Pools: Industry-specific levy-funded programs and co-investment initiatives under Hort Frontiers.
• Strong Government Linkages: Matched funding from the Australian Government under the Primary Industries Research and Development Act 1989.
• Cross-commodity Focus: Serving over 30 horticulture industries, including almonds, avocados, citrus, mangoes, berries, leafy vegetables, nuts, and nursery products.
• Integrated Intelligence Platforms: Providing real-time industry data via Hort IQ for smarter business and policy decisions.

Financial and Operational Insights

As of 2023, Hort Innovation managed approximately:

• $130 million in levy-funded investments
• $37 million in strategic co-investment funds
• Partnerships with over 270 research providers across universities, government agencies, and private industry

In FY2022–23 alone:

• More than 530 R&D, marketing, and trade projects were active
• Approximately $17.8 million was invested into international trade development
• Hort Frontiers committed over $93 million in long-term innovation projects since inception

International Trade and Export Support

Through dedicated export readiness programs and in-market development, Hort Innovation has supported Australian horticulture in reaching:

• Over 60 international markets
• Value growth of 14% CAGR in horticulture exports over the past five years
• Successful campaigns in markets like Japan, China, South Korea, UAE, and Singapore

Key export-focused initiatives include:

• Taste Australia branding campaigns in global markets
• Collaboration with Austrade and the Department of Agriculture on market access strategies
• Hosting reverse trade missions and participation in global trade shows (e.g., Asia Fruit Logistica)

Target Market

Hort Innovation serves:

• Australia’s horticulture levy-paying growers
• Research institutions and agritech innovators
• Government policymakers
• Exporters and international buyers
• Marketing and media agencies

Capabilities

• Strategic investment planning and fund management
• National horticulture marketing campaigns
• Consumer insights and market analytics
• Regulatory and market access negotiation support
• Supply chain innovation and adoption programs
• Advanced digital platforms (e.g., Hort IQ)

Certifications and Compliance

Hort Innovation operates under:

• The Primary Industries Research and Development Act 1989
• Oversight by the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
• Annual financial audits and public performance reporting
• Governance by a Board of Directors with majority independent and skills-based composition

Customer Testimonials

“Hort Innovation’s export programs have opened doors we couldn’t have accessed on our own. Their in-market support has been instrumental.”
— Citrus Exporter, Victoria

“The data from Hort IQ helps us plan better and respond to consumer trends faster.”
— Avocado Grower, Queensland

Major Achievements

• Led development of the Australian Horticulture Sustainability Framework
• Launched Hort Frontiers with over $93 million in long-term project funding
• Increased trade outcomes for key sectors like table grapes, cherries, and citrus
• Ran award-winning domestic campaigns such as "Add a Splash of Blueberries" and "Australian Avocados – Smash It"
• Published over 200 technical reports and market insights annually

Hort Innovation is a critical force in advancing Australian horticulture through evidence-based investments, strong industry partnerships, and a vision that aligns productivity with sustainability and market growth.