Tasmanian berry lovers are in for a treat with the arrival of locally grown raspberries and blackberries to shelves across the state.
The island state is the largest producer of raspberries and blackberries in Australia, with growers bringing in a substantial harvest of over 5,000 tonnes each season.
Fruit Growers Tasmania claim it is around one billion berries and is enough to keep berry enthusiasts satisfied for months to come.
Andrew Griggs, owner of Lucaston Park Orchards in the Huon Valley, said this year’s harvest began slightly later than usual due to a cool spring.
Despite the delay, he assures consumers that the season has produced some of the best tasting, largest, sweetest and juiciest raspberries in the country.
“Tasmania’s cool climate produces some of the best tasting raspberries which develop flavour through the long growing season,” he said.
“Berries are hand picked and transported directly to market, so you know you are getting the freshest fruit possible.”
Fruit Growers Tasmania CEO Peter Cornish says the state supplies over half of Australia’s fresh raspberry and blackberry production.
“Each season Tasmania’s fruit industry employs over 10,000 people and produces over $325 million worth of fruit,” he said.
“Tasmanian strawberries are already on shelves and you can look forward to local blueberries and cherries becoming available over the coming weeks.”
The harvest season for raspberries and blackberries runs from November through to May, complementing production in New South Wales and Queensland.
