South Australian cherry growers suffered their worst harvest in 50 years due to pre-Christmas storms, losing up to 70 per cent of their crop. Fruit Producers SA managing director Grant Piggott explained that three storms have hit cherry producing areas, with the most recent one hitting when the cherries were ripe, causing significant losses.
The Adelaide Hills experienced double the average December rainfall in just five days, making it the worst situation in 50 years according to long-time industry insiders. Farm staff had to remove hundreds of tonnes of storm-damaged cherries, causing a major crisis in the industry.
In the days leading up to Christmas, cherry prices reached $50 per kilo due to the shortage caused by the storms. However, according to Piggott, the situation 'improved' after the storms thanks to new sorting methods. Fruit Producers SA has invested in grading equipment that uses a camera to select high quality cherries, increasing the quantity of fruit on the market and reducing waste.
Despite this, some growers, such as Fiona Hall of New South Wales, had to 'abandon' entire crops because of the damage they suffered. Rains at the wrong time filled the cherries with water, causing the skin to split and making the crop unfit for consumption.
However, there is one positive note: the cherry harvest in Tasmania went well, with abundant quantities of high quality fruit compared to the previous year. This is a relief for the industry, offering an alternative supply at a time when the rest of the country is facing serious problems due to storms and rains.
Read the full article: The Guardian
12 Sep 2024
The 2024 edition of the magazine is almost finished and will be distributed for the first time at Fruit Attraction in Madrid. Don't miss the opportunity to include your company among the magazine's partners and support the development of the sector.
16 Jan 2024
Aníbal Caminiti confirmed that the strategy is aimed at fruit that arrives later in the markets. He also recalled that the strategies of the Argentinian industry have to coexist with the strong presence of Chilean cherries, not only in China but in all markets.
16 Jan 2026
B.J. Thurlby, who passed away at age 60, led the Washington State Fruit Commission for over 25 years. As a true ambassador for Northwest cherries, he championed research, exports and grower education, leaving a deep mark on the U.S. and international fruit industry.
16 Jan 2026
Frutas de Chile has revised its 2025/26 cherry export forecast down by 15% due to adverse weather, with shipments expected to reach 110 million boxes. To support sales, the Cherry Ice and Snow Festival launches in China, blending cherries, lifestyle and Lunar New Year culture.
