Tasmanian cherries were harvested this week, increasing supply for the Spring Festival market!

Recently, the Fruit Growers Tasmania held an online seminar on the 2025/26 season outlook for Tasmanian cherries. Chief Executive Officer Peter Cornish introduced that the annual commercial cherry production in Tasmania is approximately 6,500 tons, with the season typically lasting from December to February of the following year, with January being the peak production period. In 2024, the total export volume of Tasmanian cherries was 2,154 tons, accounting for about 48% of Australia's total cherry exports. The main varieties of Tasmanian cherries include Cordia, Lappin, Regina, Simone, Sweetheart, Sweet Georgia, and Sylvia. Cornish stated that Tasmania is a fruit fly-free zone, and exported cherries generally do not require fumigation treatment. Moreover, all cherries are exported by air, reaching the market within 48-72 hours after picking. Tasmanian cherries are exported to over 20 countries and regions globally, with Taiwan (25%) being the largest market, followed by Hong Kong (22%), Indonesia (11%), and Mainland China (9%). Subsequently, Nic Hanson, the President of the Fruit Growers Tasmania and a Tasmanian cherry grower, introduced the production situation for the 2025/26 season. Due to lower temperatures in spring and summer this year, the production season is about 10 days later than usual, with picking expected to start on December 17. The overall fruit set this year has increased compared to last year, with an expected total production increase of about 15% and an export volume increase of 5-15%. The longer fruit retention time has resulted in larger, sweeter cherries with excellent fruit quality. Coinciding with the later Chinese Spring Festival this year (February 17), Hanson emphasized that, along with the absence of early promotion activities this year, there will be a large supply of cherries for the Spring Festival market in February. The Fruit Growers Tasmania represents apple, pear, cherry, berry, and other stone fruit growers in Tasmania, with over 80 grower members and 46 association members. Image source: Fruit Growers Tasmania 2025 International Fruit and Vegetable Report. All rights reserved. For reprint permission, contact International Fruit and Vegetable Report and credit the source.