Cherry Growers Australia Limited (CGA) is a member-based organisation
Established in 1966 as a not-for-profit, CGA has grown into a dynamic entity with a strong and proud history.
From cherry growing, harvesting, selling and promotion, CGA assists Australian cherry growers by providing access to the best available resources, networks and market information.
In its representative role CGA provides a forum for its network of more than 350 cherry growers across Australia to share information and develop solutions for issues facing the cherry industry.
CGA is creating a stronger, sustainable future for growers by;
Our board of directors is appointed in accordance with the CGA Constitution. An appointed Chair leads the organisation and is supported by the board. Our chief executive officer (CEO) acts as a primary point of contact for communications and coordination within industry.
The CEO and board work closely with members, state and federal governments, industry and Research and Development organisations to bring focus on Australian cherries now and into the future.
Make CGA your first port of call for industry information, contacts, news and updates about the Australian cherry industry. We actively encourage membership as building stronger links across industry, allowing us to better understand and address challenges, and to build a strong and united industry.
Like to become a member? Apply below.
View the CGA Constitution here.
The Australian cherry industry at a glance:
Australia produces some of the world’s finest cherries.
Growing international demand is driving national cherry production expansion, with new investment within the Australian cherry industry from both local and overseas stakeholders.
Increasing cherry consumption, both in Australia and overseas, is a key objective driven by market research, marketing and promotion. Combined with a strong export focus and ongoing research to boost production and enhance market access, the Australian cherry industry is well-positioned to meet the growing demand for its cherries on both domestic and international fronts.
Across Australia, cherry growing regions span a variety of climatic zones, with over 30 cherry varieties under production. From smaller boutique cherry growing enterprises in Western Australia and Queensland to larger suppliers in New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania exporting across the globe – the Australian cherry industry supports and nurtures operations of all shapes and sizes.
This information was sourced from the Horticulture Statistics Handbook 2023/24.
From the humidity of Queensland to the dry Victorian Sunraysia region and the temperate climate of Tasmania – the scope, volume and variety of Australian cherries is as distinctive as its regions.
The Australian cherry industry is spread across six states with diversity in climatic conditions and cherry varieties produced.
New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania are the largest cherry growing states producing in excess of 4,000 tonnes each per year followed by South Australia with approximately 2,500 tonnes each year.
Western Australia and Queensland produce smaller quantities (under 500 tonnes) and sell primarily to the domestic market.
Regional locality plays a key role in determining the varieties grown and their market channels, as cherry maturation times differ across regions.
Regional characteristics such as climate, rainfall and soil composition also influence the cherry variety produced, with different varieties displaying unique tendencies and growing capabilities.
More than 30 different cherry varieties are grown throughout Australia delivering extensive consumer choice in the type and taste of Australian cherries.
The main cherry producing areas of New South Wales (NSW) have traditionally been centered around Young and Orange. Other areas include Mudgee, Gulgong, Griffith and Batlow. In NSW, growers are working to extend the state’s cherry season by selecting and cultivating varieties that suit the different climatic regions across the state.
Griffith and Mudgee regions aim to produce the earliest cherries in Australia. Early maturing cherries are grown to capitalise on good market prices both domestically and internationally.
Other regions around central west NSW supply cherries from November to early January. This region of NSW offers a diverse range of suitable micro climates and elevations that assist the continuous production of good quality fresh cherries.
A number of varieties and growing areas are used to achieve this extensive spread in fruit maturity. Most orchards grow a mix of early, mid and late varieties to ensure continuity of harvest throughout the season.
The main varieties grown vary by district:
There has been more interest in NSW, compared with other states, for early season varieties such as Chelan and Santina to capitalise on export markets.
For more information on the state of the NSW cherry industry, NSW DPI have undertaken a situational analysis of the cherry industry and can be found HERE.
The cherry season in NSW starts around late October and continues through Christmas finishing around mid January.
The main cherry growing area of Queensland (QLD) is the Granite Belt region in the south east, centred around Stanthorpe. This region mainly involves smaller growers who use cherry production to supplement other farm income. Only a small number of enterprises use cherries as their main income source. Main production is in the Glen Aplin and The Summit districts of the Granite Belt, with smaller producers in the Amiens, Pozieres and Severnlea areas. This area produces 100% of Queensland cherries.
Cherries grown in Queensland benefit from the region’s warmer climate, allowing for an earlier harvest, typically starting in November or December. Growers in higher-altitude areas like the Granite Belt select early-maturing varieties such as Lapins, Santina and Sweetheart, which are better suited to the warmer conditions. Effective irrigation and pest management are crucial due to the subtropical climate. Queensland cherries, although smaller in size, are sweet, firm and well-suited for both domestic markets and early exports, particularly to Asia. The earlier harvest provides a competitive edge in the market.
Free standing open vase is the main production system used, with some newer plantings using the open Tatura trellis system. Some growers are experimenting with other trellising systems. Bing, Stella, Lapin, Brooks and Early Sweet are the main varieties grown.
Other varieties grown include Early Burlat, Burgsdorf, Supreme and Empress. Varieties under test include Australise, Earlise, Kordia and some of the varieties from the Australian Breeding Program including Sir Tom, Sir Don, Dame Nancy and Dame Roma.
The main production season is late October to late December, with some early varieties starting in mid October with later varieties lasting until late January.
There are 2 main cherry production areas in South Australia (SA). The major one is the Mount Lofty Ranges (commonly referred to as the ‘Adelaide Hills’). The other is the early Riverland region to the northeast of Adelaide which focuses on producing early fruit for the eastern states and Western Australian markets.
The ‘Adelaide Hills’ is the most significant region producing approximately 90–95% of the state’s cherry production. This area is subdivided into several smaller areas which have all developed to take advantage of specific microclimate and maturity niches. Although geographically small in area the maturity times within the Adelaide Hills can vary by up to 2-3 weeks for the same variety. Sub-regions include Montacute (earliest area), Cherryville, Norton Summit, Basket Range, Summertown, Uraidla, Forest Range, Lenswood, Kenton Valley, Lobethal and Gumeracha.
An area south of the Adelaide hills known as the Fleurieu Peninsula also has a small amount of cherry production. The growers in this area have smaller production lots and tend to focus on local market sales, pick your own and other agrotourism pursuits.
Cherries grown in South Australia, particularly in regions like the Adelaide Hills and the Riverland benefit from a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and cool winters. These conditions are ideal for cherry production, as they promote consistent fruit ripening and high-quality fruit. The harvest season typically runs mid November to mid January.
In South Australia, growers focus on late-season varieties such as Regina, Sweetheart, and Lapins, which thrive in the cooler, temperate climate and are known for their sweetness and firmness. The region’s irrigation systems are vital for maintaining consistent water supply, especially during the hot summer months.
South Australia’s cherry production is significant, with a mix of local market sales and strong export potential, particularly to Asia and the Middle East. Due to the favorable climate, South Australian cherries are known for their rich flavor, high sugar content and large fruit size.
Most growers currently use or are slowly moving to ‘bush’ type growing systems with new plantings, such as the KGB (Kym Green Bush) just one iteration developed locally at Lenswood. Planar growing systems like the UFO (Upright fruiting Off-shoot) system are being experimented with and are seen as a likely evolution. The advantage of these systems is that at increased densities they are faster into production than bush systems and have other production efficiencies.
The varieties that have thrived in South Australia’s climate and now form the backbone of the industry include Lapins-type varieties such as Lapins, Simone and Sweet Georgia in the mid to late season. Stella has been popular for many years, but Santina is gradually gaining ground due to its improved resistance in the early to mid-season. Merchant has been used as an early variety, though it is being phased out in favor of more reliable alternatives. The early market segment is exploring Zaiger varieties (Royal Dawn, Royal Hazel and Royal Lynn), with strong interest in these due to their potential. Blushed white cherries, like Rainier, are grown by a few specialist growers and are primarily sold through local retail and pick-your-own outlets.
The main production season is mid November to mid January, with some early varieties starting in mid October (Riverland). Harvest can last until late January with the newer later maturing varieties.
Tasmanian cherries are grown predominantly in the Central North West, Coal Valley, Derwent Valley, Huon Valley, Tamar and Channel regions of the state.
Cherries are Tasmania’s major fruit export, with dominant markets including Hong Kong, Taiwan, Vietnam, China, Singapore, Indonesia and Thailand.
Tasmania exports to more than 20 markets, producing over 50% of Australia’s cherry exports. Tasmania is recognised as being free from over 30 different pests and diseases including fruit fly. Our Pest Free Area status provides access to a number of international markets where stringent import regulations are in place including Japan, South Korea, China and Taiwan.
As a temperate fruit, cherry production in Tasmania benefits from the cool growing conditions, clean water and relative pest and disease-free environment.
The main production season for Tasmania is from mid-December through to mid-February. The peak production time is mid to late January which generally aligns well with Lunar New Year celebrations in Asia.
The slow growing season allows fruit to mature fully, providing an intense flavour and colour. Tasmanian growers pick the fruit when it is at its very sweetest. Immediately after harvest cherries are hydrocooled and packed on state-of-the-art specialist cherry grading equipment. Direct international air freight service means our fruit arrives into export markets earlier and stay fresh longer — picked, packed and arriving in Asia within 48–72 hours.
The majority of Tasmanian cherry orchards are medium to high intensity plantings, with many reaping the benefits of rain covers. Cherries are generally drip irrigated, allowing effectively targeted irrigation and nutrition management.
There are many varieties of cherries being grown across the regions, with plantings including earlier varieties to provide the local domestic market with cherries in the lead up to Christmas.
The Tasmanian cherry season commences mid to late December and continues through to late February. The peak of production is through mid to late January.
The main cherry growing regions of Victoria are located in North Eastern Victoria, Goulburn Valley, Upper Goulburn/Strathbogie, Swan Hill/Sunraysia and the Yarra Valley area. These areas produce approximately 85% of Victoria’s cherry production. Other smaller areas are located throughout Victoria in areas such as Bendigo and Kerang.
The main production season is mid-November to late February. With new low chill varieties and earlier warm climate production regions, harvest will begin in the last weeks of October and can last until late February with later varieties.
Because of the wide range of climate growing areas local growers can produce fruit for about 3 months of the year from November to January. Northern Victorian area fruit matures much earlier than the higher regions, especially Tolmie, which can still be harvesting up to late February.
Current production is estimated at approximately 8000 tonnes, although this figure is highly dependent on climatic conditions such as frost during flowering and rain during harvest.
Modern production systems are employed in orchards, with most of the newer plantings trained to open bush systems. Orchards are irrigated using low-flow systems and growers are committed to continuously improving their orchard soil management practices.
More than 30 varieties are currently being grown. Bing, Lapin, Simone, Sweetheart, Sweet Georgia, Kordia, Regina, Chelan and Van are the main varieties grown as they provide improved quality and longer shelf lives.
The Victorian Cherry Trail Map directs consumers to orchards in the Yarra Valley and Ranges, Upper Goulburn Valley and Macedon Ranges, where they can buy cherries directly from the and meet the growers.
The main production season is mid November to late January, with some early varieties available from early November. Later maturing varieties ensure that cherries are still available in late February.
The main cherry growing regions in Western Australia (WA) are located in a narrow growing belt stretching from Donnybrook to Pemberton in the south west of the state. This region involves some larger growers in the Donnybrook/Kirup and Manjimup/Pemberton areas and smaller ones through the Balingup and Bridgetown shires. This belt produces approximately 85% of WA cherries. Other smaller areas are located between the Mt Barker and Albany region with a few growers in the Dwellingup area and Perth Hills.
Cherries grown in WA, particularly in regions like the Perth Hills and the Pemberton area, benefit from a climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. These conditions are ideal for cherry production, allowing for high-quality fruit with consistent ripening. The harvest season typically runs from early November to January, providing cherries early in the season.
WA growers focus on early-season varieties such as Santina, Lapins and Sweet Georgia, which are well-suited to the warmer climate. These cherries are known for their sweetness, firm texture and excellent flavor. The use of advanced irrigation systems is crucial for maintaining consistent water supply, particularly during the hot summer months.
Cherry production is relatively small compared with other states. Early harvests give WA cherries a competitive edge in the domestic market and for export to the Middle East and Asia. WA cherries are prized for their premium quality, particularly in early-season markets.
Free standing open vase is the main production system used, with some newer plantings using the open Tatura.
Bing, Stella, Lapin, Sweetheart and Van are the main varieties grown. Other ‘older’ varieties grown include Merchant, Supreme and Empress.
A large number of other varieties have been introduced recently. The best performing of these are Ferprime, Simone, early Sweet, Royal Rainier, Sweet Georgia, Kordia, Stella, Chelan, Earlise and Australise. There have been a lot of new and untried varieties planted across the growing regions. These include Sandra Rose, Sweet Early, Red Crystal, Celeste, Samba, Index and Symphony.
The main production season is mid-December to late January, with some early varieties starting in early November and can last until February with later varieties.
The association is run by an Executive committee consisting of a President, Vice President, Secretary/Treasurer and elected members. Their purpose is to represent the interests of NSW cherry growers.
Communication is best made through social media via our Facebook page NSW Cherry Growers Association.
President – Greg Perry
Secretary & Public Officer – Karina Ginn
Queensland Fruit & Vegetable Growers (QFVG) is the state industry body representing Queensland’s commercial fruit, vegetable, and nut growers.
To us, horticulture is the most vital industry in the world.
We exist to ensure strength in the horticultural industry for generations to come. We provide the voice for horticultural growers in Queensland and are a valued service delivery partner. It is our belief that outcomes can only be achieved with the grower at the centre of what we do.
Non- Executive Director – Joe Moro
Deputy Chair – Andrew Moon
Fruit Producers SA is the incorporated association representing South Australian cherry, apple and pear and berry growers.
President – Joyce Ceravolo
CEO – Grant Piggott
Secretary – Helen Lindon
Contact Details:
Phone: 0419 185 307
Email: ceo@fruitproducerssa.com.au
Website: www.fruitproducerssa.com.au
Fruit Growers Tasmania was formed in 2004 through the merger of two industry associations; the Tasmanian Apple and Pear Growers Association (TAPGA) and the Tasmanian Stonefruit Association (TSA).
President – Scott Price
CEO – Peter Cornish
Contact details:
Phone: 03 6169 2059
Email: office@fruitgrowerstas.org.au
Website: www.fruitgrowerstas.org.au
Fruit Growers Victoria (FGV) is the peak body for fruit growing, packing, and exporting businesses across the north-east Goulburn Valley, central and southern growing regions of Victoria.
FGV represents growers of apples, pears, cherries, and all stonefruit, providing a strong voice for our members.
Chair – Mitchell NcNabb
Deputy Chair – Nick Russo
Fruit West Co-operative Ltd is a grower owned and controlled co-operative and has been granted an exclusive licence by the Western Australian Agriculture Authority to grow, pack and market fruit of the ANABP 01 apple variety in Australia.
The Fruit West Co-operative Ltd Constitution delivers a business model where the community interest is best served by having the industry involved in the commercialisation of fruit varieties.
Director – Gary Fergusson
Director
Tony Hannaford is a cherry grower from South Australia, producing based predominantly in the Torrens Valley of the Adelaide Hills.
Tony’s family have a long history of orcharding. Tony introduced cherries in 1985 and now has multiple varieties spanning a long season with fruit delivered across Australia and the globe. This is all supported by the latest technology in the packing shed.
Tony has long supported and been active for the cherry industry – having also served on the Cherry Industry Strategic Investment Advisory Panel.
Director
Nic Hansen is a fourth-generation cherry grower based in Southern Tasmania and brings deep grower knowledge and long-standing industry involvement to the CGA Board.
Nic grows sweet cherries at Old Beach and is part of Hansen Orchards, one of Tasmania’s largest cherry growing businesses. He has previously represented Tasmania as the State Director on the CGA Board and has served on the HIA Cherry SIAP, contributing to national industry planning and decision-making.
Nic is currently serving his second term as President of Fruit Growers Tasmania. He brings a strong grower perspective, practical experience, and a commitment to effective industry leadership, supporting CGA’s role as the national peak body for Australian cherry growers.
Honorary Treasurer
Grant Piggott has been Chief Executive Officer of Fruit Producers SA, the grower association for cherries in South Australia since 2023 and served as its representative on the Cherry Growers Australia Board from June 2024.
He brings significant experience in finance, strategy and commercial management. He is a qualified Chartered Accountant, a member of Australian Institute of Company Directors and has served for 15 years as an elected member in Local Government.
Grant treasures his childhood on a wheat sheep farm in the Upper North of South Australia, still owned by his family. He has maintained links to primary production for almost 30 years of his working career, primarily through his senior management role at the Royal Agricultural & Horticultural Society of SA.
In his short tenure as industry representative, he has developed a passion for the successful growing and marketing of quality cherries. Grant is convinced of the deserved glamour status of cherries – healthy, photogenic, delicious, easy to eat and inextricably associated with the joy of Summer and Christmas.
Following his involvement as part of the team which guided the change of Cherry Growers Australia to a company limited by guarantee in May 2025, Grant was invited to serve as a Director on the Board in September 2025 and was appointed Treasurer.
Director
Andrew Fairley bio coming soon
Director
Fiona has been an active participant in the cherry industry for 25 years. She was President of NSW Cherry Growers in the past and has served on the cherry Strategic Investment Advisory Panel (SIAP) for past 5 years.
Fiona is currently a board member of Apple & Pear Aust Ltd (APAL) and the FAR (finance, audit and risk) committee for APAL. APAL manage domestic and international brands of produce including Pink Lady® apples. APAL is also the PIB for the 400 plus growers of Australia.
Fiona manages the business activities of BiteRiot, reporting to a board each month. She brings a wealth of experience across corporate governance & strategic planning, finance, business and marketing to the CGA board.
Deputy Chair
Greg Perry brings extensive leadership experience across the cherry industry, infrastructure, and project management, with a strong focus on governance, strategy, and commercial oversight.
Raised in the cherry industry, Greg has a deep understanding of production challenges and the importance of long-term industry sustainability. He is the Managing Director of a project management consultancy, delivering complex infrastructure, development, and operational programs across multiple sectors.
Greg has held senior leadership and board-level roles in both industry and government-aligned organisations, including service on the NSW Cherry Growers Association board and advisory roles supporting strategic planning, regulatory compliance, and investment decision-making. His experience spans financial oversight, risk management, stakeholder engagement, and guiding organisations through periods of structural change.
Greg brings a practical, solutions-focused approach to the CGA Board, with a strong commitment to governance integrity, member representation, and supporting the continued growth and resilience of the Australian cherry industry.
Chair
I grew up on our family farm in Wandin and picked cherries at an early age.
I loved the camaraderie of working with people and still do today. It is a buzz that makes coming to work enjoyable regardless of what you are doing!!
I studied to be a secondary Art and Craft teacher. However, I wanted to work in the industry first so worked in design and sales in the textile industry in Melbourne and Sydney.
Missing the family business in Sydney I returned to the family, cherries, and WandinValley Farms.
In 2007 our family bought the remaining shares in Wandin Valley Farms, and we all became involved in the business.
In 2016 I became the CEO of Wandin Valley Farms.
I am proud of what we do and the industry we are involved in. We produce a product that is fresh, flavorsome, healthy and creates excitement all bundled in with Christmas and Summer!!
Elected to VCA committee 26th October 2009
Elected to President of VCA 17th October 2013
Elected to President of CGA 24th January 2024