Tasmanian Cherry Industry Targets Chinese New Year Demand

Recently, Fruit Growers Tasmania hosted an online briefing webinar discussing the outlook for Tasmania’s cherry production in the 2025/26 season.

Peter Cornish, chief executive officer of the association, noted that Tasmania’s annual commercial cherry production is approximately 6,500 metric tons. The season typically runs from December through February, with January as the peak production period. In 2024, Tasmania exported 2,154 metric tons of cherries, accounting for about 48% of Australia’s total cherry exports. Major cherry varieties grown in the island state include Kordia, Lapins, Regina, Simone, Sweetheart, Sweet Georgia and Sylvia.

Cornish also noted that Tasmania is free of fruit flies, meaning that cherries generally do not require fumigation. In addition, all cherries are exported by air, enabling them to reach markets within 48–72 hours of harvest. Tasmanian cherries are shipped to more than 20 countries and regions worldwide, with Taiwan as the largest market, followed by Hong Kong (22%), Indonesia (11%) and mainland China (9%).

Subsequently, Nic Hansen, the association’s president and a Tasmanian cherry grower, presented the production outlook for the 2025/26 season. Owing to cooler-than-average temperatures during spring and summer this year, the season is running about 10 days later than usual, with harvesting expected to begin around Dec. 17. Overall fruit set is higher than last year, with total production projected to increase by approximately 15%, while export volumes are expected to rise by 5–15%. The longer on-tree time has also resulted in larger fruit size and higher sweetness, delivering excellent overall fruit quality.

With the Chinese New Year falling relatively late this year (Feb. 17, 2026), Hansen emphasized that substantial volumes of cherries will be available for the Chinese market during the festive period.

Fruit Growers Tasmania represents growers of apples, pears, cherries, berries and stone fruits in Tasmania. Its primary objectives are to assist growers with pest and disease management, enhance both domestic and international trade, and promote overall industry development.

Image: Fruit Growers Tasmania

This article was based on a Chinese article. Read the original article.