The Board of Summerfruit Australia is celebrating the upcoming season, with fruit quality and size looking promising, “Growers are optimistic for a successful harvest,” says SAL Chair Dean Morpeth, “We look to take back the mantle as Australia’s fruit of choice this summer, with fruit looking good and tasting better.”
“This is year the season from swan hill is delayed compared to last year, however it brings the season to be back to what would be considered a normal start to the season,” adds Deputy Chair Frank Frappa, Harvest is ramping up in most states, and you should start see the fruit in your local supermarkets in the coming weeks.
Summerfruit is grown all over Australia, with growers in Victoria, Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania. “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” comments QLD board member Tony Dugdell. “Our peaches and nectarines are already in market, and plums and apricots are not far behind.”
NSW board member Scott Dunk adds to this “Our growers have enjoyed a strong winter and spring, setting the scene for an excellent stone fruit season. The fruit is maturing around 10 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!”
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 WA Board member Anthony Caccetta, “Fruit set has been adequate, and our trees are looking healthy”. Tim Grieger, SA Board Member and Board Treasurer agrees; “Even with our dry spring, our trees are healthy, our fruit set has been good, and our size is looking up on last year.”
With a positive outlook coming into the season, the board of Summerfruit Australia would like to encourage you to look for summerfruit next time you’re in store!
Media Enquires:
Jess Byrne – Industry Development Manager
jess@summerfruit.com.au