Daniel Lutman from J E Tipper arranged the export of Australian lycheesLychee variety Kwai Mai Pink destined for export to the USALychee box of  Kwai Mai Pink for export to the USA

The 2nd shipment of Australian lychees to the USA has successfully passed audit inspections in both Australia & the USA resulting in the fruit arriving in Los Angeles on Friday 3rd February. 2 pallets of the Kwai Mai Pink variety were picked and packed by Mooloolah Valley Orchard on the Qld Sunshine Coast. Growers Jill Houser & Chris Salta have been approved growers in both Year 1 & Year 2 of the 3 Year Pilot Program and were determined to ensure a follow-up shipment reached the USA this season.

Their agent, Daniel Lutman of J E Tipper arranged the export of the Australian Lychees with Pinnacle Fresh as the USA importer. The fruit was received enthusiastically in the USA and from the early positive comments we should see American consumers enjoying Australian lychees for many more years.

The protocols for exporting to the USA are very stringent but with 2 successful shipments achieved in Year 2 of the Pilot Program, it shows that with a lot of hard work and commitment the protocols can be accomplished. ALGA will be reviewing the existing procedures & treatments to see if Australian lychee growers will be able to incorporate the USA export protocol into their current growing, spraying & grading standards.

Derek Foley

President ALGA