Australian summer fruit growers anticipate excellent season across all states
Australia is already welcoming the summer fruit season. The Board of Summerfruit Australia (SAL) is expecting high-quality fruit and large sizes, describing the upcoming crop as "promising."
“Growers are optimistic for a successful harvest,” says Dean Morpeth, Chair at SAL. “We look to take back the mantle as Australia’s fruit of choice this summer, with fruit looking good and tasting better.”
Summer fruit is grown throughout Australia, and harvests are ramping up in most states. However, the season from Swan Hill, in southern Australia, is slightly delayed compared to last year. SAL Deputy Chair Frank Frappa says this change brings the season back to what would be considered a normal start to the season, and fruit should start hitting local shelves in the upcoming weeks.
Australia summer fruit breakdown—state by state
“Queensland has the earliest fruit you’ll see, with harvest already well underway," said regional board member Tony Dugdell.
He says the state's peaches and nectarines are already in market, and plums and apricots are not far behind. Queensland is seeing high-quality and large fruit coming off the trees, which, Dugdell said, is a "great indicator" for what’s to come for the rest of the state's growers.
Meanwhile, in New South Wales, fruit is maturing around 10 to 14 days later than last year, following a strong winter and spring. This, says NSW board member Scott Dunk, set the scene for an excellent stone fruit season.
Western Australia and South Australia are also holding their weight, with fruit looking just as good in the smaller growing states.
“We’ve had a good cold winter and plentiful rain to kick the season off,” says Western Australia Board member Anthony Caccetta. “Fruit set has been adequate, and our trees are looking healthy”.
Tim Grieger, a SAL Board Member from South Australia, agrees. “Even with our dry spring, our trees are healthy, our fruit set has been good, and our size is looking up from last year.”
*All images courtesy of Summerfruit Australia
Related stories
Australian blueberries gain Vietnam market access in new export agreement
Subscribe to our newsletter
