Australian stone fruit prices up, thanks to good weather

After excessive rainfall affected some regions during last year's harvest period, Australian stonefruit production is expected to increase in the 2024-25 season. According to the US Department of Agriculture, most growing regions experienced average or below-average temperatures in late autumn and winter, resulting in strong bud break. The Australian Bureau of Meteorology expects regular rainfall from September to November in most cherry, peach and nectarine growing regions. With average rainfall and ample irrigation water availability, growers will be well supplied to control fruit growth and disease. According to the report, if the weather continues its favourable trend, "production and quality will improve compared to 2023-24." Cherry exports are forecast to increase by 25%, potentially becoming the second highest on record, and peach and nectarine exports are forecast to rise by 4%. Imports are also forecast to improve to 1,500 metric tons (MT) from the downwardly revised 700 ...