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

18 Oct 2023
2107

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

Guidelines against Drosophila suzukii in cherry crops

Crop protection

01 Jun 2023

Since its arrival in France in 2010, Drosophila suzukii has caused extensive damage to several species, including cherries. The aim of a recent CTIFL note is to provide technical elements for phytosanitary protection of cherry trees against D. suzukii.

California cherry growers are assessing the damage caused by the storm

Production

05 May 2026

In Fresno County, California, this week’s storm affected cherry and almond orchards, forcing growers to act quickly. Helicopters were used to dry cherry trees, while hail, wind and fungal disease risks are raising concern over crop quality and harvests this spring.

In evidenza

Genetic and environmental determinants of pollen fertility and flowering phenology in sour cherry

Breeding

25 Aug 2026

A University of Belgrade study in Serbia examines pollen germination, pollen tube growth and flowering phenology in six sour cherry genotypes, highlighting the decisive role of genetics, environment and phenotypic stability in orchard pollination under field conditions.

Artificial intelligence is already being used in Chilean cherry orchards

Tech management

25 Aug 2026

In Chile, artificial intelligence, drones and multispectral imaging are transforming cherry farming. New technologies improve yields, treatment precision, water efficiency and crop management, while accelerating the development of increasingly automated and data-driven orchards.

Tag Popolari