Hobart will be lit up blue in the coming days as the local fruit industry celebrates the peak season for Tasmanian-grown blueberries.
Franklin Square, Elizabeth St Mall and Kennedy Lane will be bathed in blue from tonight until Thursday to remind Tasmanians that “plump, juicy and sweet” blueberries are once again back on the menu.
Fruit Growers Tasmania CEO Peter Cornish said the state’s blueberry sector runs from late December through to May and produces an estimated 11 million-plus punnets annually.
“If you purchase Tasmanian grown blueberries, you know you are buying the very freshest berries virtually straight from the farm,” he said.
“Plus, you’ll be supporting local growers who have done it tough for a couple of years facing a range of issues including low mainland market prices and escalating freight, power and labour costs.”
Tasmania boasts around 70 commercial blueberry growers, including several organic ones, who sell their produce directly to the public through farmgate stalls, farmers markets and retail stores.
The state stands as the second-largest blueberry producer in Australia.
