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Tag: lemon

  • Unlocking New Markets: Vietnam Secures Green Light for Pomelo and Lemon Exports to China

    Unlocking New Markets: Vietnam Secures Green Light for Pomelo and Lemon Exports to China

    A recent agreement has paved the way for Vietnamese pomelos and lemons to be exported to China. This phytosanitary requirements protocol was formalized between Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Environment and the General Administration of Customs of China. The agreement unfolded during a state visit to China by To Lam, who is the Party General Secretary and State President of Vietnam.

    Phytosanitary Requirements and Protocols

    The newly agreed protocol stipulates that all areas cultivating and facilities packaging pomelos and lemons for export to China have to be registered with the Ministry of Agriculture. Furthermore, they must gain approval from both the Ministry and China’s customs. These facilities are mandated to enforce stringent pest control measures to ensure the quality of the produce.

    The cultivation areas are required to adhere to Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) requirements. These requirements demand fruit to be bagged at least 60 days prior to harvest and the use of traps to combat fruit flies.

    The packaging facilities must maintain sanitary conditions and appropriate functional zoning. Fruits are required to be sorted, classified, and cleaned to remove any diseased or pest-infected fruits, as well as any plant debris and soil residues.

    The Impact of the Agreement

    The Ministry has cited this agreement as the result of structured technical negotiations between plant protection and quarantine agencies of both nations. These discussions have been ongoing since 2019.

    The agreement signifies an important shift towards transparent, standards-compliant official export channels and a more sophisticated bilateral cooperation framework, amidst growing Vietnam–China agricultural trade.

    China continues to be a crucial market with strong demand and potential for Vietnamese fruit exports. Building on the success of other exports, pomelos and lemons are expected to increase their market share, consolidate their position, and boost overall export growth.

    The ministry has expressed its commitment to working closely with localities, associations, businesses, and producers to effectively put the protocol into practice. This will include guidelines on regulations, standardizing cultivation areas and packaging facilities, and strengthening inspections to guarantee full compliance with Chinese requirements.

    Vietnam’s Agricultural Advantage

    Pomelos and lemons are among Vietnam’s most successful agricultural products. Vietnam currently cultivates pomelos on approximately 106,000 hectares, positioning itself as a major global producer of the fruit.

    Questions & Answers

    What does the new protocol between Vietnam and China involve?
    The protocol involves the export of Vietnamese pomelos and lemons to China. It stipulates that all cultivation areas and packaging facilities for these fruits must be registered with the Ministry of Agriculture and approved by both the Ministry and China’s customs.

    What requirements must the Vietnamese farms and packaging facilities meet under the new protocol?
    The farms must adhere to Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) requirements, which includes bagging fruit 60 days before harvest and using traps for fruit flies. The packaging facilities must maintain cleanliness and appropriate functional zoning.

    How will this protocol impact the Vietnam-China agricultural trade?
    The protocol signifies a shift towards transparent, standards-compliant official export channels and provides a more sophisticated bilateral cooperation framework. It is expected to boost the market share of Vietnamese pomelos and lemons in China and strengthen the overall growth of fruit exports from Vietnam to China.

  • Suntory’s Minus 196 Unveils Zesty Lemon & Passionfruit Blend: A First in Australian Market

    Suntory’s Minus 196 Unveils Zesty Lemon & Passionfruit Blend: A First in Australian Market

    Global spirits manufacturer, Suntory, has introduced a new flavour to its product range – Minus 196 Lemon & Passionfruit. This debut marks a first for the brand in the local market, as it is the first time they have combined two fruit flavours in a single product.

    This latest addition comes on the heels of an extended phase of significant branding activities. Suntory has been a key sponsor for events such as the Laneway Music Festival and has established ‘Konbini’ pop-up bars across Sydney, Melbourne, and the Gold Coast.

    The Lemon & Passionfruit variant joins an already diverse Australian product lineup, which includes flavours such as Double Lemon, Double Peach, and Double Grape.

    Consumers can now purchase this new product in both four-pack and 10-pack formats from leading liquor retailers across the country.

    The team at Suntory is excited about this launch, with Johnny Morgan noting the distinctiveness of the Minus 196 range, owing to the innovative Japanese craftsmanship behind it. “With the introduction of our first combination flavour – Lemon & Passionfruit – we aim to redefine how true fruit-forward refreshments should taste,” he said.

    This launch follows Suntory Minus 196’s introduction of its lemon vodka in Australia last year.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the new flavour that Suntory has introduced?
    Suntory has introduced a new flavour to its product range – Minus 196 Lemon & Passionfruit.

    What’s unique about the new Minus 196 Lemon & Passionfruit flavour?
    The uniqueness of this product is that it is the first time Suntory has combined two fruit flavours in a single product.

    What are the other flavours in the Australian product lineup of Suntory?
    The existing Australian product lineup includes flavours such as Double Lemon, Double Peach, and Double Grape.

  • Suntory Expands Rtd Portfolio With ‘minus 196’ Lemon Vodka, Eyes New Zealand Market By 2026

    Suntory Expands Rtd Portfolio With ‘minus 196’ Lemon Vodka, Eyes New Zealand Market By 2026

    Suntory Beverage and Food Oceania has recently announced the launch of its ‘Minus 196’ lemon vodka brand throughout Australia. This marks the firm’s debut rollout of a ready-to-drink (RTD) product line from its Queensland-based beverage facility.

    High-tech Brewing Method

    The lemon vodka range, boasting two distinct Japan-inspired double lemon options, is formulated using Suntory’s cutting-edge freeze technology. The choices, which include 4.5% and 9% alcohol by volume (ABV), offer consumers a unique twist on traditional vodka beverages.

    Extensive Product Line

    The ‘Minus 196’ lemon vodka introduction enhances Suntory Oceania’s existing fruit vodka range, which includes peach and grape flavors. These products are available for purchase in either single cans or packs of 10 cans at major retailers across Australia. This extends the company’s current offering of more than 20 RTD products, which includes a variety of branded beverages, now produced at their Swanbank manufacturing plant.

    Future Expansion

    Suntory Oceania also has an ambitious plan to expand its footprint to the New Zealand market by January 2026. This marks the fruition of a significant investment in a $3 billion multi-beverage powerhouse in Australia.

    Questions & Answers

    What is unique about Suntory’s new ‘Minus 196’ lemon vodka?
    The ‘Minus 196’ lemon vodka is unique as it is formulated using Suntory’s innovative freeze technology and offers two distinct Japan-inspired double lemon options with 4.5% and 9% alcohol by volume (ABV).

    What other products does Suntory Oceania offer?
    In addition to the ‘Minus 196’ lemon vodka, Suntory Oceania offers more than 20 other ready-to-drink (RTD) products, including various fruit vodka flavours like peach and grape.

    What are Suntory Oceania’s future plans?
    Suntory Oceania plans to expand its business to the New Zealand market by launching a new multi-beverage offering in January 2026. This move comes after significant investment in a $3 billion multi-beverage powerhouse in Australia.