Tasmanian cherries reach Taiwan for Lunar New Year

17 Jan 2025
1601

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

Global cherry retail prices every week

Retail

23 Jun 2023

Cherry Times publishes weekly global retail prices, with a report analysing the supply of cherries in 37 online stores in 12 countries on different continents.

Global cherry market in crisis: production drops, prices soar

Markets

09 Oct 2025

Global cherry production for 2025/26 falls by 10%, affecting Turkey, Europe and the United States. International prices are rising as Chile takes the lead in exports. The Southern Hemisphere is ready to seize the moment, but cherries risk becoming a luxury product.

In evidenza

Smarter Irrigation for Cherries: Managing Water for Fruit Size, Quality, and Profitability

Tech management

09 Jan 2026

Smart irrigation improves cherry fruit size and profitability. With SWAN Systems, growers in Australia, North America and the Mediterranean can optimize water use, reduce waste and cracking, and boost yield through integrated data, expert guidance and better decisions.

New postharvest standard for cherries: anticipation and quality behind Chile’s leadership

Post-harvest​

09 Jan 2026

Rising volumes and logistical pressure make postharvest management the key driver of Chilean cherry profitability. Anticipation, DPV control, humidification, hydrocooling and contingency planning define a new operational standard to protect fruit quality, size and value.

Tag Popolari