News about Australia

Australian cherries in the spotlight: rising consumption and growing interest in premium quality

Consumption

07 Oct 2026

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.

Australian cherry volumes are expected to fall by 15%

Production

15 Sep 2026

Australian cherry production is forecast to fall 15% in 2026/27, to 17,000 metric tons after a winter with fewer chill hours. Exports are expected at 4,000 MT, while dry conditions and high irrigation costs could add pressure for growers in Victoria and New South Wales.

Syrphid flies as effective pollinators of sweet cherry trees

Tech management

13 Jul 2026

Trials in Tasmania show that Eristalis tenax hoverflies, used alongside honeybees, can improve fruit set and sweet cherry yields. Active in cool and wet weather, these alternative pollinators could support more reliable orchards and reduce risks linked to varroa mite.

Cherry Growers Australia is launching its national strategy at the Cherry 2026 conference in Adelaide

Production

22 Jun 2026

Cherry Growers Australia unveils its 2025-2030 Strategic Plan in Adelaide at the Cherry 2026 conference. The roadmap aims to lift domestic consumption and exports, improve quality, innovation and sustainability, and unite Australian growers around shared priorities.

Australian cherries celebrate a successful season built on quality and export growth

Production

09 Jun 2026

Australian cherries closed the 2025/26 season with exports of 4,950 tonnes worth A$110mn: volumes rose 13% and value 22%, driven by premium quality, Asian demand, rapid airfreight and Tasmania and Victoria’s leadership across Hong Kong, Vietnam and China in key markets.

Cherry Levy: an Australian project to monitor cherry quality

Quality

10 Apr 2026

Cherry maturity monitoring in Australia analyzed over 2,000 samples across Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. 92% exceeded the 15° Brix threshold, providing a solid benchmark to define quality standards and support future decision-making across the industry.

Cherries: research in New Zealand and Australia tackles unstable weather impacts

Tech management

17 Mar 2026

Research in New Zealand and Australia examines how rain, protective covers, humidity and calcium affect cherry firmness and fruit quality. The project aims to help growers manage increasingly unpredictable weather and safeguard high-value export markets worldwide today.

The influence of rain covers on crack prevention and cherry quality improvement

Covers

03 Mar 2026

In New Zealand and Australia, rain covers for cherries reduce cracking and boost size but alter orchard microclimate and firmness. Research focuses on humidity, calcium and export quality to support a more climate-resilient cherry export industry worldwide and sustainability.

South Australian cherries: late season brings quality fruit and sharp prices

Markets

03 Feb 2026

South Australia's cherry season kicked off later than usual due to a cooler spring, but January is delivering an excellent harvest of large, sweet and juicy cherries. Strong competition with Victorian growers and attractive prices are boosting demand across summer markets.

New European varieties in Australia: Innovar accelerates varietal genetics in cherry trees

Varieties

27 Jan 2026

Innovar launches a project to test and develop new IP cherry varieties from renowned European programmes like Gräb, JKI and Schwitzky. The initiative spans key Australian regions, focusing on premium quality, extended seasonality and long export-grade shelf life.