Stonefruit crops across the country are shaping up well
Summerfruit Australia has shared a pre-season update with fruit quality and size looking promising across the country.
Chair Dean Morpeth said growers are optimistic for a successful harvest.
“We look to take back the mantle as Australia’s fruit of choice this summer, with fruit looking good and tasting better,” said Morpeth.
Deputy chair Frank Frappa said the harvest was ramping up in most states and fruit should start to hit supermarket shelves through November.
“This is year the season from Swan Hill is delayed compared to last year, however, it brings the season back to what would be considered a normal start to the season,” said Frappa.
Stonefruit is grown in all Australian states, with Queensland kicking off the season.
“Queensland has the earliest fruit you’ll see, with harvest already well underway. The high quality and large fruit coming off our trees is a great indicator for what’s to come for the rest of the growers,” said Queensland board member Tony Dugdell.
“Our peaches and nectarines are already in market, and plums and apricots are not far behind.”
New South Wales board member Scott Dunk added: “Our growers have enjoyed a strong winter and spring, setting the scene for an excellent stonefruit season. The fruit is maturing around ten to 14 days later than last year, but the crop is looking fantastic – and it’ll be in your fruit bowl before you know it”.
Beyond the eastern seaboard, conditions have also looked promising. Western board member Anthony Caccetta said: “We’ve had a good cold winter and plentiful rain to kick the season off. Fruit set has been adequate, and our trees are looking healthy”.
Tim Grieger, South Australia board member and treasurer, agreed: “Even with our dry spring, our trees are healthy, our fruit set has been good, and our size is looking up on last year”.
