Overview

Riversun Export Pty Ltd was formed in 1992 by a group of citrus exporters and packers based in the Riverland of South Australia and Mildura Fruit Company in Victoria as an umbrella organisation under which citrus fruit would be exported to the USA.

In 1996 the citrus growing regions of Victoria and New South Wales gained quarantine access to the USA market, and Riversun's shareholding expanded as exporters and packers moved to align themselves with the Riversun coordinated operation.

Shareholdings comprise 28 "A" class and 4 "B" class shareholdings who are either exporters, packer/exporters or packers. In 1992 Riversun coordinated 10 packing sheds which has grown to 33 packing sheds spread over production areas in three states. (See "Exporters and Packers" for map.)

These 28 member companies supplying fruit for export to the USA collectively represent the majority of citrus exporters and packers from Australia to all markets.

Aims and Objectives

The primary aim of Riversun is to ensure that produce destined for the US market is transported, shipped and distributed through systems designed to provide consistent and reliable product to buyers and consumers. By achieving these goals, returns to the Australian industry may be maximised.

Riversun established mandatory quality control procedures for its members with the introduction of a Quality Specification Manual in 1993. This is a living document that is constantly updated in accordance with market conditions and requirements. The Quality Specification Manual clearly signifies the ongoing commitment of Riversun in assisting suppliers to achieve consistency of procedures and product standards, and to meeting the expectations of the market place.

Riversun is committed to the provision of services that ensure Australian citrus exporters maintain and improve their reputation as suppliers of consistently high quality citrus that continually meets or exceeds the requirements of the US market.

Function

Riversun as the coordinator, or service provider to shareholders, is a non profit service company involved in the coordination, consolidation and shipping of product to the USA.

Our mission is:

• To coordinate shipments of citrus fruit to the USA with the aim of achieving the greatest volume of sales for the best possible price available in the market place.

• To be an effective coordinating body which is acceptable to the private enterprise principles of the shareholders.

• To resolve issues in a cohesive and cooperative environment through which Riversun can improve the quality and marketing of citrus on behalf of its shareholders and the Australian citrus industry.

Role

Riversun oversees the many tasks involved in achieving a successful USA Program. Some of the major roles undertaken by Riversun are :

1. Collection of crop information, which is communicated to DNE World Fruit Sales for development of marketing plans.

2. Development of shipping programs based on forecast production timing and DNE marketing plans.

3. Ongoing development of detailed specification manual that considers fruit quality specifications including maturity, size, blemish and defect parameters, Standardised material specifications, Development of protocols in response to quarantine and quality issues.

4. Quality training programs for packing houses

5. Chartering of refrigerated vessels

6. Coordination of cargo consolidation and vessel loading/discharge

7. Operations personnel in the US to oversee quality control, inventory and warehousing, repacking and distribution as well as ensuring USA operations comply with documented Riversun systems and procedures.

8. Conducts the pooling of fruit in accordance with established guidelines and confirms to DNE exporter payments prior to funds transmission.

9. Acts as the communication/information link between the USA market and the majority of the Australian Citrus Industry - total transparency.

The Riversun Team

Peter Walker

Chairman

Steve Allen

Managing Director

Trevor Warren

Operations Manager

Leonie Berger

Office Administrator

Trevor, Steve, Leonie, and Peter Walker (Chairman)