The Australian cherry season has been underway since mid-November. Victoria and New South Wales cherry seasons had a great start, with good volumes and high quality. "The season started a few days early, but as we made our way through the season, the timings were right on time. Some rain impacted mid-season varieties, but both regions are finishing strong with high-quality Christmas cherries," Jessica Fearnley, Department of Primary Industries. "The Tasmanian season has not started yet, but it is looking like it will start right on time."
Overall Tasmania is the state that exports the most cherries – typically up to 50% of Australia's total cherry exports. However, Victoria, New South Wales, and South Australia make significant contributions to export volumes.
"The timing of the Tasmanian cherry season is almost perfectly aligned with Chinese New Year and partly explains the large volumes that are exported from that State. Victoria and New South Wales are also often significant contributors to export volumes at this time of year," explains Chris Lethbridge, Trade Development Coordinator at Cherry Growers Australia.
"The most important markets for Australian cherries are Hong Kong, China, Vietnam, Taiwan, and Singapore. Combined, these markets accounted for about 79% of Australia's cherry exports by volume last season."
For more information:
Gita Ricca
Cherry Growers Australia
[email protected]