Southern Fruits International, the New Zealand producer of luxury cherries, expects to send up to 340 tonnes of cherries to the global market this summer, slightly more than double the volume shipped last year. This season marks the second commercial year for Beyond brand cherries, produced in two large orchards covering over 160 hectares in central Otago.
Sharon Kirk, the company's founder and marketing manager, anticipates an exciting season, with significant interest from existing and developing markets in Asia, the Middle East and the US. Kirk attributes the confidence in the brand and the fruit to the pre-sale system presented at the Asia Fruit Logistica international trade fair in Hong Kong last September, where many buyers took advantage of the opportunity to pre-purchase fruit.
Favourable pre-season conditions and increased fruit loads due to ripening trees contributed to the volume forecast. The trees, now between three and four years old, are halfway to full production, with an increased fruit load promising a promising harvest, characterised by exceptional size and sugar content, provided the weather remains favourable.
Harvesting has already started with the early varieties and will extend until February, depending on weather conditions. Kirk emphasises the importance of providing fruit available on the shelves just in time for Christmas, especially for Asian customers.
Over the past year, the company has expanded its presence in several markets in the US and the Middle East, and has also extended its reach into China, Taiwan and Vietnam, with Thailand emerging as a new potential market. Kirk points to the Chinese market's growing interest in smaller fruits and lighter boxes, as opposed to the traditional preference for larger fruits and heavier boxes.
In addition to exports, Southern Fruits International also supplies premium cherries to the domestic market through online sales of 1 kg, 2 kg and 5 kg crates and through Seeka Fresh Ltd, which supplies local supermarkets and retailers.
The launch of a dedicated online shop has enabled New Zealanders to associate cherries with Christmas, ensuring the availability of the prized fruit throughout the festive period. The positive response to online demand suggests that Central Otago cherries will continue to be accessible for online purchase throughout the season.
Read the full article: HortNews
Image: Southern Fruits International
21 Jul 2023
The Boni Silvano and Ezio farm is a family-run business located in the municipality of Affi (Verona, Italy), near Lake Garda. The farm has 5 hectares of cherry production, divided between early, medium and late varieties, with a production exceeding 40 tonnes per year.
20 Feb 2026
The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture (Canada) publishes a technical guide on the cultivation and pruning of stone and pome fruit trees. Focus on peach, plum, sweet cherry and pear trees, with guidance on work efficiency, crop load management and disease control.
06 Mar 2026
In Chile, the world leader in cherry exports, an INIA study analyzes the evolution of Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae in commercial orchards. The research highlights local adaptation and copper resistance as key factors for integrated management and sustainable production.
06 Mar 2026
Tart cherries, rich in melatonin, tryptophan and polyphenols, may improve sleep and reduce inflammation and oxidative stress. A review of seven clinical studies analyzed effects on sleep duration, efficiency and biomarkers, with promising but not consistent results.
