South Australian lobster producer, Ferguson Australia and China Eastern Group, a major Chinese airline and cold chain logistics company, have signed a five-year MoU, marking a major breakthrough in the re-entry of Southern Rock Lobster into the China market, following the South Australian Government’s Seafood Export Growth Program.
The deal will enable the sale of lobster-themed gift boxes through retailers and to China Eastern Airlines’ network of approximately 100,000 top tier club members, securing more direct, reliable and safe freight services.
The Seafood Export Growth Program launched in 2024 and has assisted South Australia’s seafood industry to re-engage with China as trade restrictions were lifted in December last year.
Representatives from the China Eastern Group were among 11 influential Chinese and Hong Kong seafood importers to visit South Australia earlier this year to experience world-class produce and fisheries first-hand. The visit incorporated direct engagements with local seafood producers such as Ferguson Australia.
Ferguson Australia was supported by the South Australian Government at last November’s China International Import Exhibition (CIIE), one of 26 South Australian companies to participate in the event.
“It’s a great pleasure for Ferguson Australia to be part of this significant MoU signing, marking the beginning of a strong and exciting working relationship with China Eastern and its cold chain division,” said Andrew Ferguson, Managing Director, Ferguson Australia.
“By aligning our supply chain strengths, Ferguson Australia and China Eastern Gold Chain will unlock greater market potential.
“Exporting highly perishable products like seafood comes with daily challenges, but quality relies on a securely managed cold chain – something that many importers are unable to guarantee.
“We are excited to explore new market opportunities with China Eastern Cold Chain for other seafood varieties,” he continued.
“Despite the many uncertainties in the world today, we are pleased to see that our lobster trade to China is now thriving.”
South Australia exported more than 520 tonnes of South Australian lobster to China, valued at $47.1 million, in the year to February 2025.
