The first Australian Melonball arrives in New Zealand

After two years in the Australian domestic market, the first Melonball shipment was delivered to a New Zealand supermarket just before Christmas. 

Melonball is a baby watermelon grown in partnership with SMA Marketing (SMA) and sold exclusively at Woolworths Supermarkets Australia and now also at Countdown Supermarkets in New Zealand.

With farms located in the Western Downs, SMA is a one hundred percent grower owned watermelon marketing group with farms around Australia providing 12 months continuous supply of watermelon. 

SMA is also part of the current cohort of businesses involved in Shell’s QGC Emerging Exporters Program, a program delivered by Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise’s (TSBE) Food Leaders Australia.

The social investment program, supported by Shell’s joint venture partners Tokyo Gas and CNOOC, contributes to a strong and diverse economy within the Western Downs.

The program is driving economic diversity in the region and giving local agribusinesses the support and tools to further develop their domestic market and enter global markets.

SMA Business Development Manager, Belinda Boshammer said, “the Emerging Exporters Program has really helped us develop our export strategy and to better understand the complexities of export markets, logistics and cultures.” 

“The team at TSBE are very supportive and knowledgeable,” said Ms Boshammer.

“When we first joined the program, we knew what we wanted to achieve and with their help, we have developed the plan of how to get there.” 

“Starting an export program in the current environment hasn’t been the easiest but we have great logistics and retail partners and we’re looking forward to the future,” said Ms Boshammer.

"The shipment was received well in New Zealand and with this recent success, we have the confidence to move forward with our plans.”

“The NZ market is a huge opportunity for our products,” said Ms Boshammer.

TSBE Export Manager, Justin Heaven said it is very exciting to see a participant in the program now exporting internationally.

“We have been working with SMA for around a year now and it is great to see this kind of success,” said Mr Heaven.

“We are passionate about working with agribusinesses to explore pathways to achieve sustainable growth and build diversity across the region for tomorrow’s success in both domestic and international markets.”

The Melonball shipment was also part of a joint traceability trial using QR Codes with SMA, Melons Australia, Woolworths, FreshChain, NSW DPI and the Federal Government.