Season set to get started in Queensland, with bumper crop predicted

On the eve of the Australian Imperial mandarin harvest, one of the country’s biggest growers has shared an optimistic outlook for the season ahead.

Image: Red Rich Fruits

Red Rich Fruits will begin picking new-season fruit in Gayndah, Queensland, next week.

Matt Palise, director of Red Rich Fruits, said the crop was shaping up well.

“It’s been a favourable growing season to date; the end of 2022 saw a good amount of rain followed by a hot, dry summer which has ensured a quality flavour profile and a bumper crop, with total volumes estimated to be up by 10 per cent on last year,” Palise explained.

“The fruit will be absolutely delicious this year - plump, juicy and full of flavour.

“Following harvest early next week our Imperial mandarins will be sent to supermarkets across the country where they will be sold through to late May, possibly early June.”

The Autumn edition of Produce Plus includes an exclusive interview with Matt Palise, covering major developments within the Red Rich Fruits business.