Australian Citrus Congress provides practical pathways for future growth as industry excellence recognised in Adelaide
The Australian citrus industry gathered in Adelaide on 2-4 March for the Australian Citrus Congress 2026. The three-day event featured a comprehensive and engaging conference programme with Australian and international speakers; a trade expo; a welcome event and finished with the annual Citrus Industry Awards dinner.
Citrus Australia CEO Nathan Hancock said the event was a success, welcoming
more than 470 delegates from across the country and overseas. He also thanked the event sponsors and 37 exhibitors for their contribution.
“The programme covered the issues that matter most to your businesses right now, including market access and global trade dynamics, biosecurity preparedness, workforce challenges, production efficiency, technology adoption, and the evolving expectations of our customers here in Australia and in key export markets,” he said.
“What stood out to me was the level of engagement. Growers, packers, exporters and service providers were all involved in conversations, asked questions, shared experiences and looked for practical ways to improve performance. That is exactly what the Congress is designed to do.”
The Congress’ speaking programme featured over 70 speakers who brought a strong mix of local knowledge and international perspective.
Keynote speakers included Justin Chadwick, former CEO of Citrus Growers Association of Southern Africa (CGA), who shared his insights into the future direction of the South African industry and how it might shape the country’s place in the international market as a competitor to Australia.
Horticulture marketing specialist Jesse White delved into the consumer trends and retail dynamics impacting the citrus trade in Asia, particularly in China.
Meanwhile, Patrick Vizzone provided insights into the global geopolitical landscape and how big picture influences like trade wars, tariffs and supply chain disruption could affect the fresh produce industry.
Beyond the big picture, the programme was filled with plenty of practical takeaways for growers, covering topics such as retail and consumer insights and production efficiencies, agrochemicals, post-harvest, irrigation and technology enhancements. The third day also hosted a Biosecurity Symposium where researchers at the forefront of their fields shared their findings with industry.
The Australian Citrus Congress ended on the final night with the Citrus Industry Awards Dinner, where four awards were handed out, acknowledging excellence, leadership, innovation, and lifetime contribution from across the sector.
The winners included:
Emerging Leader: Thomas Braybrook, Nutrano Sunwest Farms
Value Chain Innovator: John Gallard, Gallard Group
Service to Industry: Glenn Collihole, Seaway Intermodal
Hall of Fame: Henry Allan Meyer, HA Meyer & Son
