Tasmanian growers are celebrating the arrival of the first cherries of the season, just in time for Christmas.
Despite some early challenges from wet weather, this year’s crop is being described as one of the best yet.
“Cherries are by far my favourite fruit that we have and we’re really lucky in Tasmania and humbly we will say we produce the world’s best cherries,” Fruit Growers Tasmania CEO Peter Cornish says.
“And the great thing for Tasmanians is you can get them here first, first before anyone else in the market. There is nothing fresher than coming straight from the tree.”
Tasmania is set to produce 6,000 tonnes of cherries this season, with 2,500 tonnes destined for export markets across the globe.
Many of these cherries will be sent to Asia, including markets in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Vietnam, China, Singapore, Indonesia and Thailand, with an export value of $48.28 million.
“There is so much demand for our cherries right throughout Australia and throughout the world,” Cornish said.
“The great thing about Tasmanian cherries, they’re looked forward to and they’re anticipated. And for Lunar New Year, they are really a gift giving. So they’re a sign of prosperity.”
Primary Industries and Water Minister Jane Howlett said Tasmanian cherries will be a “tasty addition” to the holiday festivities.
“Buying locally produced cherries means you support local jobs and it means we can all have a Merry Christmas,” she said.
