Demand for Australian Cherries and Lychees Soars Ahead of Lunar New Year

JEFF GIBBS

As the Lunar New Year draws near, Australian fruit producers are experiencing a surge in demand for two of their most iconic fruits: Tasmanian cherries and North Queensland lychees. Deeply symbolic in Asian culture, these fruits represent prosperity and good fortune, making them a popular choice during the festive season.

A Celebration Boosting Fruit Sales

Lunar New Year, or Chinese New Year, is increasingly celebrated across Australia, driving demand for premium exotic fruits.

For Sydney-based fruit wholesaler Fruitezy, the period has become a cornerstone of their annual strategy.

“It’s almost as important as Christmas,” said Daniel Filipe, the company’s e-commerce and wholesale manager. He noted that over the past 10–15 years, exotic fruits like lychees and cherries have emerged as highly sought-after items during this multicultural celebration.

“It’s exciting to see how these fruits bring people together,” Filipe added.

Tasmanian Cherries: A Global Favourite

The Tasmanian cherry is a standout in the global market, praised for its vibrant red color, size, and sweetness. These cherries have become a favored gift item in South-East Asia, particularly during Lunar New Year when red is seen as a symbol of luck.

At Lucaston Park Orchards, based in southern Tasmania, the

“Within three to four days, cherries go from the tree to customers in South-East Asia,” he said.

Zhongyue (Jack) Wang, an importer specializing in premium cherries for the Chinese market, shared his admiration for timing of the cherry harvest aligns perfectly with Lunar New Year celebrations. Packing shed manager Matthew Griggs explained the swift journey from orchard to market:

Australian cherries.

“They are crunchy, sweet, and full of favour,” he said, adding that the colour red enhances their appeal for gifting. Mr. Wang currently imports 70 tonnes annually, but he expects this fgure to grow with rising demand.

North Queensland Lychees: A Premium Commodity

While lychees are also highly sought after, challenges in the growing season have led to a tighter supply and higher prices. Larry Griffn, general manager of Simon George and Sons in Townsville, cited heavy rainfall in December as a key factor affecting both the volume and quality of the crop.

Retail prices for premium lychees have reached over $20 per kilogram, with top-tier varieties costing nearly 40% more than last year.

“This year’s conditions have signifcantly impacted the quantity and quality of lychees available for Lunar New Year and Christmas,” Griffn explained.

A Bright Future for Australian Produce

Despite challenges, the growing interest in exotic fruits during Lunar New Year presents an exciting opportunity for Australian producers.

As this multicultural celebration gains popularity, fruits like cherries and lychees continue to strengthen their role as symbols of good fortune and prosperity, fostering connections across cultures.

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