The season started slightly earlier this year following the favourable warm and sunny summer
conditions, which have enhanced the sweetness, size, and colour of the crop.
Royal Gala and Smitten were amongst the first to be harvested, with Golden Delicious, Modi, Pink Lady, Granny Smith, Jazz, Envy, Kanzi, Rubigold, Southern Bliss and Tiger Fuji all starting to come online as the season gets into full swing. Harvest is expected to continue until May.
Tasmania has ideal growing conditions for apples. Its cool climatic conditions, clean water, and rich, well-nurtured soils allow apples to stay on the tree for longer. This means the fruit develops slowly creating apples that are sweet, juicy, and deliciously crisp to the bite.
"Tasmanians have been growing apples in commercial quantities for 170 years. This endeavor and commitment have been handed down within families across the generations, with some families still growing apples six generations on," said Peter Cornish, CEO of Fruit Growers Tasmania.
Peter added, "We are lucky enough to have dedicated and resilient growers here that are continuing to adapt and innovate to ensure the apple industry in Tasmania continues to advance."
Tasmanian growers are fortunate to work closely with industry organisations and local researchers to continually improve the sustainability of growing apples, with a focus on apple quality, soil health, and variety development.
Rubigold and Tiger Fuji varieties are unique to Tasmania. Scott Brothers developed Tiger Fuji, while Rubigold was developed by BW Griggs & Sons.
Tasmania is also home to one of the largest organic apple producers in Australia, R&R Smith, who picked their first harvest of Southern Bliss in 2023, adding an organic option to Tasmania's special varieties.
Some eight per cent of all apples sold in Australia are now grown organically, with demand growing at around 20 per cent per year. As global apple markets have changed, the industry in Tasmania's main focus is on the Australian domestic market. However, Tasmania maintains its market access to a number of markets particularly in Asia.
Peter said, "Tasmania remains free from many plant-related pests and diseases meaning our
produce can be exported with minimal, if any, phytosanitary treatment giving us a distinct
advantage in some markets."
For more information:
peter@fruitgrowerstas.org.au
www.fruitgrowerstas.org.au