A Sunshine Coast-based fruit processing company is urging people to support local, as a growing influx of cheap imported juices and purees places pressure on the industry.
Tropico Fruits at Yandina is an Australian-owned business with roots running deep through the orchards and farms of the country’s tropical heartland.
From its beginning 40 years ago, the company has built its reputation not only on the quality of its products but on its commitment to supporting Australian fruit growers and suppliers.
“Tropico Fruits is proudly Australian-owned, which means we don’t answer to a foreign owner that is also operating in a competing business located overseas,” executive manager supply chain Judith Kerr said. “Many of our competitors ultimately support overseas owners and farmers.
“We are focussed on achieving the best outcome for the Australian local community. Our management team is small and committed to maintaining Tropico’s success by supporting local farmers, suppliers and customers.
“We take pride in our long-standing and loyal business relationships built on the principles of transparency and fairness.”
That ethos has guided Tropico’s growth into one of the nation’s leading processors of tropical fruits providing a diverse range of fruit-based products to Australia’s food and beverage manufacturers.
From yoghurt preparations, smoothie bases, ice cream and milk drink ripples and flavours to bakery fillings, toppings and even savoury preparations, Tropico products can be found in many dairy items, bakery goods and beverages sold by major supermarkets Australia-wide.
“We’re more than just a processor, we are the one-stop solutions provider, whether it’s strawberry prep for your yogurt base, mango puree or pineapple juice for your beverage SKUs, we can service all your needs,” executive manager of finance, Aleisha Hubbucks said.
“Tropico positions itself as a fruit-solutions partner for dairy, bakery, beverage and industrial food manufacturers.”
That holistic, partnership-driven approach is what keeps Tropico closely connected to Australian farmers. By sourcing fruit directly from growers across multiple regions, the company not only ensures consistent quality but also helps farmers manage the challenges of weather and market fluctuations.
Ms Kerr said it was a point of difference Tropico prided itself on as many of its competitors purchase all of their requirements from a small number of larger growers.
To highlight the quality and provenance of its ingredients, Tropico has produced promotional clips showcasing how locally sourced fruit like mangoes are transformed into premium products.
“Building relationships with local pineapple growers is essential, as there are fewer than 30 growers in Australia who continually face challenges from unpredictable weather events,” Ms Kerr said.
“We need to support our pineapple growers because these uncontrollable factors affect their supply.”
The growing influx of cheap imported juices and purees is also placing immense pressure on both Australian processors and farmers.
“Price competition has intensified due to imported products, which overseas suppliers are offering at very low prices (in some cases cheaper than our cost to produce),” Ms Hubbucks said.
“Many customers are however expressing dissatisfaction with the consistency and flavour of these cheaper imports.
“Customer price sensitivity has led to frequent supplier switching, sometimes over differences of just a few cents per kilogram.
“This supply volatility contributes to further uncertainty in the marketplace. These factors impact client loyalty and shape preferences as customers may prefer Australian fruit but choose lower-priced alternatives without appreciating the quality difference.”
Despite these challenges, Tropico’s commitment to Australian-sourced fruit remains unshaken.
The company holds certifications across SQF, HACCP, organic, kosher and halal, ensuring its products meet the requirements of major supermarket and food service brands.
“To have the big brands of yogurt and juice companies purchasing from Tropico, we need to ensure all the above certifications are part of our quality assurance so they can meet Coles, Woolies and Aldi’s requirements to retain shelf space,” Ms Kerr said.
“Tropico’s juices, purees, concentrates and stabilised fruit preparations meet these rigorous standards, so we can supply quality products for our clients.”
