Strong start to Australian cherry exports

Australian cherry exports totalled 505 tonnes as of 24 November, a figure that will continue to rise and is expected to reach 5,000 tonnes when Victoria comes into full production. Cherry Growers Australia reported in its monthly newsletter that Tasmania, an island state off the southern coast of Australia, is also ready to export in the coming weeks. The organisation said that, along with having more fruit, Australian cherries for export are larger, firmer and sweeter this season. This is due not only to favourable growing conditions, but also to the continued improvements being made by local growers, who are working hard to achieve the quality levels needed to position Australian cherries as the best in export markets. Hong Kong and China are the top destinations at the moment, closely followed by Vietnam, Malaysia and Singapore. Cherry Growers Australia said each of these are up from last season. All Australian cherries destined for Vietnam go through irradiation facilities in ...