Tasmanian cherries reach Taiwan for Lunar New Year

17 Jan 2025
1976

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

Protective netting in high-density sweet cherry orchards: effectiveness against birds and Drosophila suzukii

Covers

06 Nov 2025

Field tests in Michigan confirm that protective netting in high-density sweet cherry orchards reduces damage from birds and Drosophila suzukii. This sustainable strategy preserves fruit quality and supports modern, efficient orchard management practices.

Aragonese cherries head to China: Orchard Fruit's bold move

Markets

11 Dec 2025

Aragonese cherries are set to enter the Chinese market thanks to Orchard Fruit, a family business led by Menchu Guerrero. Since 2017, the company has followed a scientific and export-driven strategy, inspired by Chile’s model, to bring premium fruit to global markets.

In evidenza

Ethylene and transcriptional regulation of fruit firmness in sweet cherry

Post-harvest​

21 May 2026

A study in China clarifies how ethylene and PavSPL7 regulate sweet cherry softening. This transcription factor limits cell wall degradation, improving fruit firmness, postharvest quality and potential shelf life for more efficient cherry supply chains worldwide.

The new era of Chilean cherries: lower supply or greater precision?

Tech management

21 May 2026

Chilean cherries are entering a new phase shaped by quality, agronomic precision and the demands of the Chinese market. From orchard management to post-harvest, Chile is focusing on uniform, large, competitive fruit with strong commercial value in the global market.

Tag Popolari