Data shows one bad eating experience can turn a consumer off buying a fruit or vegetable again. To limit the chance of that happening, through Hort Innovation Frontiers Australian scientists are collaborating with their global counterparts to develop new papaya, strawberry, mango, pineapple and passionfruit varieties that are based on consumer preference testing.
Understanding how consumers act, think and feel about fresh produce is an essential step in accelerating local and global demand and ensuring customers are satisfied. Each of these naturally-bred varieties will be tailored to smell, taste, feel and appear in a way that is desirable to purchasers and encourages them to go back for more. These varieties could also be easier to grow for farmers, requiring less water and being more disease resistant.
This initiative will employ world-class research to accelerate the development of new varieties for Aussies to taste and enjoy. By establishing a network of partners from across the globe, the Australian horticulture sector is reimagining how new varieties are traditionally developed while greatly expanding the genetic resources available and reducing the time it takes to launch new varieties in the market.
With only eight per cent of Australians eating enough fruit and vegetables, new varieties that meet the needs of consumers while also requiring less input costs for growers is a win-win.
