Qld strawberries 'exceptional' this winter

Cold, but mild overnight temperatures and warmer, sunshine filled days will make strawberries from Queensland’s Sunshine Coast exceptional eating quality this winter, according to Brendon Hoyle, of Strawberry Fields. “In terms of quality they should be the best strawberries around. We should see nice juicy berries, and a good size,” he says. “Dry weather conditions are what berries like and the cool weather will slow production down, but that helps keep oversupply in check. It’s still likely we’ll see a good increase in production this coming spring.”

 

The fact that strawberries coming out of the ground at this time are of higher quality also means they command a better price, according to Mr Hoyle. “We tend to see the price creep up a bit because of the evening out of supply and demand, but also this year because of the quality and taste,” he says.

 

The Queensland strawberry industry is also benefiting from local government support, Mr Hoyle says, as the Sunshine Coast Council identifies agri-tourism as an industry worth investing in. “The industry and council are looking for ways to help make use of second grade strawberries. Whether it’s frozen, pureed or juiced products. They’re also targeting packaging waste as well, and trying to put people in the same room to come up with a solution.”

 

The Sunshine Coast and Moreton Bay region accounts for 80% of Queensland’s strawberry supply during winter.

 

Other growers experiencing an oversupply, including capsicum and tomato farmers, have also reported that they are happy with the current weather conditions.