Tony Coad, Manager Marketing and Sales at Reid Fruits said "It's an exciting time of year for us at Reid Fruits with another cherry harvest getting underway and our cherries now available.
"The crop is looking excellent and we're anticipating a 15% increase in volume this season compared to last year.
"We are expecting good size, color, and sweetness as the different varieties ripen and are ready to harvest throughout the season. With summer underway, it looks like it's another great season for Tasmanian cherries!"
Fruit Growers Tasmania CEO Peter Cornish said "Tasmania's cool maritime climate allows our fruit to mature fully, enhancing the size, sweetness, and intense natural flavor Tasmanian cherries are famous for."
"We are so lucky to be the first to get our hands on the world's best cherries, nowhere else in the world gets them fresh from the tree like we do!"
"Every summer, locals and visitors look forward to enjoying Tasmanian cherries, and we're excited that they are now available across the state for everyone to enjoy." While the peak of the cherry season comes in January, aligning perfectly with the Lunar New Year celebrations in Asia, Tasmanian growers have been investing in newer varieties, many of which are grown to supply local pre-Christmas demand.
The quality of Tasmanian cherries has helped Tasmania become a large producer of cherries in Australia, supplying more than half of the nation's cherry exports, valued at $48 million annually.
With over 20 international export markets, including Hong Kong, Taiwan, Vietnam, China, Singapore, Indonesia, and Thailand, Tasmanian cherries are in high demand globally. Thanks to direct air freight services, these cherries arrive fresh in international markets within 48–72 hours of being picked, ensuring the fruit's quality remains intact. "Our cherries are enjoyed around the world, but Tasmanians are lucky enough to get the first taste," Mr Cornish said.
For more information:
Peter Cornish
Fruit Growers Tasmania
Tel: +61 0429 588 481
Email: [email protected]
www.fruitgrowerstas.org.au