An Australian produce wholesaler believes that the Queensland ginger industry is in decline and may not even survive. Gary Norris, from Sunshine Coast Produce, said that ginger production probably would not recover from the recent fungus (see last week's blog) and the increasing level of imported produce. The ginger industry responded immediately by dismissing the claim as "greatly exaggerated". It has been suggested that new ground could be made available to growers away from the affected areas.
One of New Zealand's fastest growing companies, Shott Beverages, has announced that it plans to expand its overseas presence. Having been formed a mere three years ago, the company is looking to introduce its famous Lemon, Ginger & Honey beverage to the UK market.
Following last week's report that an Australian biosecurity team had visited Fiji to inspect the ginger production facilities, a decision has still to be made. The Fijians believe that the visit went well and that a positive response will be given shortly.
This week I came across an article describing various signs of ginger deficiency. Interesting though the article was, to describe someone as being deficient in ginger, as others are diagnosed as being deficient in iron or potassium or vitamin A, is irresponsible.
A report in The Grocer magazine said that the price of ginger had increased by 60% in the last year. It quoted a major spice supplier as saying, "Ginger has been a big disaster. China's crop was down last year and Nigeria has realised it can get top dollar so is now eking out exports."
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