Tasmanian export cherries launch in Hong Kong

Tasmanian cherries are now available to buy in Asia.

To mark the start of the Tasmanian export cherry season, a launch event was held in Hong Kong on Wednesday.

Fruit Growers Tasmania CEO Peter Cornish said Hong Kong was a significant and long-standing cherry export market for the state.

“Last season, Hong Kong received 22 per cent of the total export volume from Tasmania,” Mr Cornish said.

“There are difficult dynamics at play in competitive Asian markets with large volumes of imported fruit entering the market in preparation for the festive season.

“We understand that these shipped volumes continue to lower price expectations. “However, we believe our fruit is markedly different.”

Mr Cornish said Tasmanian cherries tended to be darker, larger and sweeter than fruit from other places.

 “Our cherries are handpicked, cooled to 1-2 degrees Celsius, then carefully packed into boxes to seal in the freshness.

“There is generally a range of different-sized fruits, including plenty that are 34 mm and larger.
“We hope that customers recognise and appreciate the quality we offer.”

This year’s cherry season is slightly later than usual due to a colder-than-average spring in Tasmania.

“This should work in our favour, as the Lunar New Year 2026 is a little later too,” Mr Cornish said.

“Mother nature decides how the seasons fall and our growers always work with that.

“Tasmanian growers wish to convey their appreciation for the longstanding trade relationships that they have in Hong Kong and other parts of Asia, and wish everyone a safe and prosperous Lunar New Year.

“As 2026 is the year of the Fire Horse, we feel it signifies the passion and determination of our growers and the importance of our trade relationships in a challenging trade environment.”