Tasmanian cherries reach Taiwan for Lunar New Year

17 Jan 2025
558

A launch event to celebrate the official start of the Tasmanian cherries season was held on January 8 in Taipei, before the Lunar New Year celebrations.  

The event brought together key representatives from the Tasmanian cherry industry, Fruit Growers Tasmania, Cherry Growers Australia, and Austrade, along with Taiwanese importers and buyers.  

Peter Cornish, CEO of Fruit Growers Tasmania and president of Cherry Growers Australia, gave a presentation at the event. 

“I am pleased to participate in this important event,” said Cornish. “This is the first time Tasmania has participated in a national event promoting the cherry season to importers and buyers. Tasmania grows the best cherries in the world, and Taiwan is a very important market for us, with 22% of the state's cherry exports destined for Taiwanese customers.” 

In Taiwan, large red cherries are the preferred gift during Lunar New Year celebrations, as they symbolize happiness and prosperity and are considered a gesture of good luck that strengthens family bonds.

“Thanks to Tasmania's relatively pest-free status, growers are not required to treat the fruit before export. This means that cherries arrive ripe, fresh, and ready to eat within 48-72 hours of picking. Not many regions can say the same,” added Cornish.  

“Moreover, in Tasmania we grow exceptional cherries: our cool maritime climate and long, slow growing seasons ensure that our fruit develops an unparalleled depth of flavor.”

The event also featured a speech by Tasmania's Premier, Jeremy Rockliff, and a discussion between local importers and Tasmanian cherry growers about the future growth of the market. In addition, official guests were able to taste the first Tasmanian cherries of the season. 

“Our growers appreciate the continued support they receive from their importers and retailers in Taiwan, and this event is partly to thank them for all their efforts,” said Cornish. “A big thank you also goes to our growers, who continue to work hard to advance Tasmania’s cherry exports and to enhance the profile of Australian fruit in global markets.” 

As part of the event, a marketing video for the Tasmanian Grown Cherry campaign was shown, highlighting the high quality of Tasmania's cherries, focusing on their large size, distinctive flavor, and vibrant color.

Source: Fruitnet
Image: Fruitnet


Cherry Times - All rights reserved

What to read next

Shipping companies ready for peak exports for the 2024/25 campaign

Markets

28 Aug 2024

‘According to estimates in the first weeks there will be big differences,’ said Francisco Labarca, executive director of South Port Shipping. ’This is good news because it means that between week 46 and week 3 there will be about 10,000 more containers of cherries.

Retail prices for cherries in Switzerland are up 18% compared to last year

Markets Press review

15 Sep 2023

In July, organic cherries achieved an average price of CHF 17.45/kg in the traditional retail trade (excl. discounters). Overall volumes increased steadily since 2021.

In evidenza

Winter chill models in fruit growing: full guide and comparison by climate zones

Tech management

14 Jul 2025

In-depth analysis of winter chill models used in fruit growing: Chill Hours, Utah, and Dynamic. Comparison of methods and agricultural applications across different climate zones, from British Columbia to Mendoza, Argentina, to improve orchard management strategies.

Cherries 2025: global market between exceptional quality and climate challenges

Markets

14 Jul 2025

The 2025 cherry season shows global contrasts: excellent production in Italy, the UK and South Africa; dramatic declines in Turkey and Greece. High prices in Spain, solid demand and logistic bottlenecks are reshaping the structure of the international cherry market.

Tag Popolari