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

Association CEO Peter Cornish introduced that the annual production of commercialized cherries in Tasmania is approximately 6,500 tons, with the production season typically lasting from December to February of the following year, with January being the peak production period. The total export volume of Tasmania cherries in 2024 was 2,154 tons, accounting for approximately 48% of Australia's total cherry exports. The local cherry varieties mainly include Cordia, Lappin, Regina, Simone, Sweetheart, Sweet Georgia, and Sylvia. Cornish stated that Tasmania is a non-fruit fly quarantine area, 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. Tasmania cherries are exported to more than 20 countries and regions globally, with Taiwan, China (25%) being the largest market, followed by Hong Kong, China (22%), Indonesia (11%), and Mainland China (9%). Subsequently, the President of the Tasmanian Fruit Growers Association and Tasmania cherry grower Nic Hanson introduced the production situation of the 25/26 season. Due to lower temperatures in Tasmania this spring and summer, the production season was delayed by about 10 days compared to usual, with picking expected to start on December 17. This year's overall fruit set has increased compared to last year, with an estimated 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 this season. 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 Association represents Tasmania apple, pear, cherry, berry, and other stone fruit growers, with over 80 grower members and 46 association members.