Tasmania’s strawberry season is under way, with the first locally grown fruit now on sale at farms and in supermarkets and growers reporting a positive start.
Fruit Growers Tasmania said the season had started slightly earlier this year, following an unusually cold spring last year.
The industry body’s chief executive, Peter Cornish, said volumes would steadily increase as more growers started picking over the coming weeks.
“Most growers are reporting a positive start to the season,” he said.
“We’re pretty much back to our normal timing, although some parts of Tasmania have experienced unusually warm early spring weather, which has helped bring some fruit on a little earlier than anticipated.”
Local grower Dave Jennings from DM Jennings & Sons said the state’s climate gave its fruit an edge.
“Nothing beats Tasmanian strawberries,” he said. “Our cooler climate and extra winter chill enhance the flavour for a sweeter fruit. Less travel time means the fruit is in stores the next day, full of freshness and in great condition.”
Australia produces approximately 66,000 tonnes of strawberries a year, according to Fruit Growers Tasmania. It said Tasmania grew around 15% of that total or almost 10,000 tonnes.
Tasmanian strawberries are grown mainly in the central north-west, the Northern Midlands and the Tamar, Meander, Coal, Derwent and Huon valleys.
Most of the state’s strawberries are sold within Australia, although the industry body said an increasing quantity was being sold overseas.
Locally grown raspberries, blackberries, blueberries and cherries are expected in the coming weeks and months.
Cornish said Tasmanians were “spoilt” for fresh fruit.
“We truly are spoilt here in Tasmania with all the wonderful high quality fresh fruit we grow,” he said. “Our hard working Tasmanian growers really appreciate the support they receive right here at home and also throughout Australia and Asia.”
Fruit Growers Tasmania represents apple, pear, cherry, stone fruit and berry growers. It said the state’s industry had a farm gate value of more than $400 million and employed more than 10,000 people each year.
