Positive start to the Australian season, but watch out for El Niño

18 Oct 2023
1937

On September 28, Cherry Growers Australia launched their season with a webinar covering various topics. Patrick Ulloa, the export development coordinator, discussed their successful participation at Asia Fruit Logistica in Hong Kong, where Australian cherries gained substantial interest.

Ulloa classified markets into three categories: easy, moderate, and highly regulated. Hong Kong, Singapore, and Malaysia fall into the easy category, with minimal requirements. Moderately regulated markets like Indonesia, the United States, and Vietnam have more regulations. Highly regulated markets, such as Korea, Taiwan, and China, demand strict compliance with numerous restrictions.

Regarding weather conditions, Ulloa mentioned that they have been excellent in many parts of Australia. Chris Lucas from the Bureau of Meteorology discussed the outlook for October 2023, highlighting the presence of El Nino, leading to warmer and drier conditions, which may affect the wet season and pose a higher wildfire risk.

Gillian Reilly, head of marketing at Hort Innovation, discussed strategies to boost the cherry industry. They aim to position cherries as Australia's premium fruit, focusing on increasing value perception among retailers and consumers.

Unlocking growth potential involves addressing barriers such as pricing and off-season demand. Reilly suggests emphasizing the fruit's delicious taste, its festive nature, and its association with the holiday season. They view the higher price as an affirmation of cherries' exclusivity and worth.

Read the full article: Fresh Fruit Portal


Cherry Times - All rights reserved

What to read next

Biofactories and sustainability: FabLab develops new materials and circular projects for cherries

Processed

05 Nov 2025

For ten years, the FabLab at the University of Chile has been promoting biofabrication as a path to reduce waste and regenerate natural resources. Using cherry pits, innovators create new sustainable materials and design solutions that merge science, art, and environmental care.

Cherry Growers Australia shows the qualities of the Pergola system found in a Chilean orchard

Press review

11 Mar 2024

Cherry Growers Australia Inc demonstrates the innovative pergola training system. The system promotes early fruit production, optimal fruit quality and a host of other benefits, potentially achieving impressive yields of up to 300 kg per day.

In evidenza

Kaolinite and calcite: physiological effects of foliar treatments for heat stress mitigation

Tech management

17 Jun 2026

In Murcia, a field study on ‘Sweetheart’ sweet cherry evaluates kaolinite and calcite against heat stress, drought and solar radiation. Foliar mineral sprays improve leaf reflectance, temperature response and nutritional balance in trees exposed to intense summer heat.

A new technology is proving promising in the fight against fruit flies

Crop protection

17 Jun 2026

Oregon State University’s Decoy technology aims to reduce insecticide use against spotted-wing drosophila, protecting cherries, blueberries and soft fruit with attract-and-kill systems, slow-release traps and integrated biological control for fruit growers on U.S. farms.

Tag Popolari