EXPORT ENERGY: Orange orchard owner Vincent Chen with NSW Cherry Growers president Fiona Hall at her Caernarvon packing shed. Photo: PHIL BLATCH
A young Chinese exporter may hold the key to unlocking Asian markets for Orange’s annual cherry crop.
Vincent Chen, the 33-year-old son of a ceramics company family, is leading the Chinese charge into the Orange cherry industry.
Mr Chen owns the Homeward Bound orchard in Nashdale and another near Mudgee and has plans to expand his operations in Orange.
A permanent resident, he exports and buys cherries from Orange and Tasmania for both the Hong Kong and mainland China markets.
He said he had spent “roughly a few million, two, three, four million†in Orange so far and was excited about the local prospects.
“For me it’s very interesting. Actually I want to invest more in this area because, like Tasmania you have already got the reputation and at this time if you go to Tasmania there is no chance anymore,â€
he said.