Tasmania records a solid cherry season: more volume, better prices, and focus on Asia

The 2025-2026 Tasmanian cherry export season concluded with exceptional results, with more than 2,740 tonnes shipped to international markets, a 31% increase from the previous year and just below the historical high, reported Fruit Growers Tasmania. The entity detailed that the season's start in the Australian island state was challenging for producers due to a cool spring and a delayed summer start that slowed fruit ripening. This resulted in a later harvest and an extended campaign closure, coinciding with a delayed Lunar New Year. "The quality of the fruit was also excellent," said Peter Cornish, CEO of Fruit Growers Tasmania, who also noted that competitors in the southern hemisphere had difficulties placing their fruit in the Asian market in February, which reduced competition. "What was particularly positive was that both the volume and unit prices increased this season, demonstrating that the exceptional quality of Tasmania continues to be rewarded in export markets," he ...