Historically, Tasmania has exported the largest volume of cherries from Australia. Tasmania and Victoria have slightly later seasons than other growing areas, meaning that their peak production aligns with the Lunar New Year, a period of high demand in the country's key export markets. The first states to harvest cherries are New South Wales and South Australia, typically in the last week of October.
It is still early days as far as predicting this season's volumes, but overall volumes look to broadly align with prior years.
"In general, we are receiving reports of a medium crop load. This is translating into a good balance of fruit availability and quality," said Penny Measham from Cherry Growers Australia. "The weather has been slightly cooler than last year, meaning some areas are running a few days later than the prior season. Overall, the season is looking positive, the trees are healthy, the fruit is of a high quality, and exports to key markets are underway."
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"Australian growers are firmly positioned as producers of premium-quality fruit. This focus on quality ensures that we continue to see strong demand from consumers for Australian cherries. As we are just starting our 2025/26 season, the Australian industry is focused on ensuring that the needs of our existing customers and markets are met. As an industry, we are always looking at how we can optimise existing export markets to ensure more consumers can enjoy Australian cherries. Of particular focus are high-growth markets in Southeast and North Asia.
"The industry is also keeping an active eye on the growing Indian market, given the reduction in tariffs under the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement." The Australian cherry industry exports to more than 40 markets; however, the majority of the fruit goes to the five largest markets, namely Hong Kong, Taiwan, Vietnam, China, and Singapore.
For more information:
Gita Ricca
Cherry Growers Australia
[email protected]
www.cherrygrowers.org.au
