State’s fruit growers set off to key market Hong Kong for Asia Fruit Logistica
Off the back of a bumper Tasmanian cherry export season in 2025/26, Fruit Growers Tasmania is heading to Hong Kong to attend Asia Fruit Logistica, the largest fruit and vegetable trade show in Asia.
Fruit Growers Tasmania will attend the event, on from 3-5 September 2026, with five Tasmanian cherry growers including Aunita Cherries, Hansen Orchards, Pinnacle Fine Foods, Reid Fruits, and Somercotes Cherries.
In 2025/26 season Tasmania’s total cherry exports reached a new record value of A$70mn. Additionally, it was the second-highest volume of exported cherries on record, with more than 2,740 tonnes. This tonnage was only surpassed by a slightly larger crop in 2015.
Hong Kong continues to be a very important market and was the largest customer last season, taking 23 per cent of total Tasmanian cherry exports. China mainland and Taiwan are also very significant markets, both taking 20 per cent of exports each. Overall, Tasmanian cherries are exported to more than 15 overseas markets.
“We’re delighted to be able to support Tasmanian growers to reach some of our most important overseas markets in Asia. Our role is to provide a platform for growers but also raise awareness in key markets and build the demand for Tasmanian-grown fresh fruit,” said Peter Cornish CEO of Fruit Growers Tasmania.
“To support the future growth of our industry we need to ensure that Tasmanian fruit is front and centre in the minds of customers. And that’s not just cherries but also berries and apples. We could not undertake these activities without the support of the Tasmanian Government, for which we are very grateful.”
Cornish highlighted the advantages Tasmania has when it comes to supplying high quality fruit to global markets.
“On a number of occasions we have taken samples of apples and berries with us, and we always receive very positive feedback from visitors about the taste and size of our fruit. This has led to new trade connections. For a small island, we have a great deal going for us, including a pristine environment with low pest pressure, long summer days with mild growing conditions, plenty of clean, fresh water and rich fertile soils,” he said.
“With the global trade market facing ongoing challenges including wars in the Middle East and the Ukraine, along with tariff hikes by the US, there is a great deal of trade uncertainty. However, Tasmania continues to buck the trend, by consistently growing quality fruit with greater flavour, size, and colour.
“We are a recognised as a pest free area which means we can offer international buyers a great range of fresh temperate fruit of premium quality which arrives in Asian markets within 72 hours of packing. Not many other regions can provide this due in part to the need for additional phytosanitary treatments.”
