Tasmanian cherry producers are predicting a bumper season with harvesting and early sales now underway.
Cherries are now Tasmania’s most valuable fruit export, with a value of $48.3 million to the industry, and are grown all over the state, including on the North-West Coast at Sassafras, Spreyton, Sheffield, Wilmot and North Motton, with Tasmania growing around a quarter of Australia’s cherries.
But it’s not just cherries which will be in abundance this summer, with strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries grown on the Coast at Sulphur Creek, East Devonport and Wesley Vale.
Fruit Growers Tasmania CEO Peter Cornish says Tasmania grows around a quarter of Australia’s cherries, with berry sales also significant.
Mr Cornish says the Tasmanian fruit industry employs around 10,000 people during the season
He says while the early season cherries available now are tasty, the best cherries will be available during January and they will be in abundance as well.
