Australia's cherry industry delivered a strong 2025-26 season, with premium fruit quality achieved across all production regions. This was helped by ideal climate conditions during fruit growth, combined with a late harvest.
"Seasonal conditions naturally influence crop volumes and timing from year to year, and Cherry Growers Australia (CGA) works closely with growers to understand supply trends and communicate them effectively throughout the season," explains Penny Measham, CEO of Cherry Growers Australia.
"Australian consumers and export customers can continue to expect high-quality cherries when fruit becomes available in 26-27."
By the end of the season in February 2026, cherry exports reached 4,950 tonnes valued at $110.26 million (€68.11 million), up 13% in volume and 22% in value year-on-year, with higher unit prices reflecting the industry's continued focus on quality.
"The Tasmanian and Victorian production regions continued to lead export supply, together accounting for more than 90% of exported volume, supported by disciplined production systems, strong biosecurity performance and effective collaboration between growers, exporters and government stakeholders.
Airfreight capability ensures Australian cherries reach key Asian markets within 72 hours of harvest, reinforcing Australia's reputation for freshness, safety and reliability," Measham says.
Growing conditions were ideal for accumulating sugars last season and the upcoming season looks to be similar, with less rainfall predicted for cherry production regions through spring and into summer.
"Fruit size and quality were ideal last season. The industry has a strong focus on quality and strives to deliver the optimum fruit to consumers. The strong demand for premium Australian cherries demonstrates the value consumers place on our quality fruit."
The Australian cherry industry spans multiple production regions and climate zones and produces fruit from November through to February.
"To deliver across an extended period, the industry grows more than 40 different varieties. Whatever the variety, all cherries are grown to a high standard to meet consumer expectations," Measham explains.
Domestic demand for Australian cherries was strong during the 2025-26 season, with retail performance improving year on year.
"More consumers purchased cherries, and those buying them tended to purchase more per shopping occasion. This supported growth in both retail value and volume and points to continued strong consumer appetite for Australian cherries."
Australia imports small volumes of cherries from the US from June to August.
According to the USDA, imports of Australian cherries from the USA, as the sole counter-seasonal supplier, are anticipated to remain consistent at around 2000 tons for 2026.
China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan and Vietnam are the five key markets. Approximately 80% of Australian cherry exports went to those five markets combined in 2025-26.
The top five markets account for 80% of Australian cherry exports. For the 2025-26 season, exports went to the following markets: Hong Kong 28%, Vietnam 19%, China 13%, Taiwan 11%, Singapore 10%
"Over the past few years, the top 5 markets have largely remained consistent as a percentage of total exports (80%).
Last season was a particularly strong year in the Chinese and Vietnamese markets, with significant exported volume driven by a strong seasonal alignment with Lunar New Year and a slightly later Australian season.
"The Australian cherry industry is looking forward to expanding exports to existing markets. CGA is working closely with government processes and looking to achieve new access pathways to Thailand, the Philippines and the USA.
The industry is also considering opportunities across a range of high growth markets," Measham says.
Source: Gita Ricca, Cherry Growers Australia / Freshplaza
Image source: CGA
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Australia closed a strong 2025-26 cherry season, with exports reaching 4,950 tonnes, up 13% in volume and 22% in value. Tasmania and Victoria led shipments, while China, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Taiwan and Singapore absorbed about 80% of total Australian cherry exports.
