The commencement of Tasmanian cherry availability kicks off in early December, as the majority of producers initiate harvesting at the onset of the new year. A projected 25% uptick in cherry production is anticipated owing to the favorable climatic conditions foreseen for this season.
Tasmanian cherries have left their imprint in more than 20 countries and regions globally, with mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Thailand emerging as primary export hubs. China takes the lead in the export market, constituting 63% of the overall export share.
A recent virtual conference jointly organized by Fruit Growers Tasmania and the Australian Trade and Investment Commission delivered pivotal updates to importers from China, Vietnam, Singapore, the Philippines, and other nations regarding the forthcoming season's advancements.
Estimations for the 2023/24 season project the total production of Tasmanian cherries to hit approximately 4,300 tons, with an anticipated export volume of around 2,000 tons. The supply will be accessible from December to February, with the zenith expected in January 2024. Prominent varieties include Kordia, Lapin, Regina, Simone, Sweetheart, Sweet Georgia, and Sylvia.
Exceptional climatic conditions in Tasmania throughout both spring and summer this year have contributed to an extraordinary quality of cherries, featuring larger sizes, more vibrant colors, and elevated sugar levels. Growers express confidence in a 15-20% upswing in export volume compared to the preceding season.
Read the full article: Produce report
Image: Photo by Simon Berger
Markets Production Press review
09 Jan 2024
The overproduction of Californian cherries affected prices, triggering a downward spiral for Northwest cherries as well. The need for increased communication between Californian shippers and the Northwest industry could be a potential solution to avoid further price collapses.
18 Mar 2026
Research conducted in Kent, the largest cherry-producing region in Great Britain, shows that cherry processing waste can be transformed into nutraceutical ingredients rich in anthocyanins. Freeze-dried cherry pulp powder demonstrated protective effects in experimental models.
13 May 2026
A Serbian study on eight sweet cherry genotypes shows how temperature, pollen germination and pollen tube growth affect fertility and fruit set. ‘Lapins’, ‘Canetova’ and ‘G-2’ stand out as more stable, resilient cultivars under changing climate trends in orchards.
13 May 2026
Chile’s cherry industry is facing increasing financial pressure after seasons marked by oversupply, lower returns and strong reliance on China. Legal, contractual and corporate risks are now growing across the export chain, affecting growers, exporters and trade stability.
