Australian company Sai World has started a new venture in British Columbia, Canada. Nature's Connection, a partnership with a Canadian grower of 20 years, comes under the Sai World banner. Exports include apples, cherries, and blueberries.
© Sai World Pty Ltd "We have been growing and exporting apples and blueberries for a while, but this is the first year we will export cherries," explains Sam Vasala from Sai World, who has been involved in exporting Tasmanian cherries for many years. "The last two years were tough for Canadian cherries after very hot temperatures in 2023 and frost in 2024 when frost destroyed most of the crop. This year, however, is looking much more promising."
"It is early days, but we hope to export 1200 tonnes this season starting in July/ August. Our main focus will be on the Asian markets but we are also talking to retailers in Europe. We aim to have a later harvest so we don't coincide with the Washington volumes."
Nature's Connection is also focussing on growing bigger cherries for the Asian markets and has brought in some expertise from Tasmania to help.
© Sai World Pty Ltd
"Bigger cherries usually demand the bigger prices," said Sam. "Canada is better known for smaller sizes, but great taste and extremely firm fruit. We want to use our experience to get later fruit, big sizes as well as great-tasting cherries."
For more information:
Sam Vasala
Sai World Pty Ltd
Tel: +61 (07) 5641 2217
Mob: +61 470406579
Email: sam@saiworld.com.au
www.saiworld.com.au