Cherry 2026 brings the Australian cherry industry together in Adelaide for three days of insight, connection and shared direction. From production and innovation to markets and demand, the conference will explore the ideas, research and partnerships shaping the future of our industry.
Designed for growers, industry leaders, researchers and partners, Cherry 2026 is a place to learn, connect and move forward together.
Registrations are now open, with early bird pricing available until 13 March 2026.
Whether you are planning to attend the full conference, take part in the workshops, or join the industry tour, now is the time to secure your place.
Scroll down the page below to choose your ticket and take advantage of early bird pricing.
| Date | Day | Venue | Evening | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 May 2026 | Trade / Export Workshop | Adelaide Convention Centre | Welcome Reception and Networking Drinks | Adelaide Convention Centre |
| 31 May 2026 | National Cherry Industry Conference | Adelaide Convention Centre | CGA Gala Dinner and Industry Awards | National Wine Centre of Australia |
| 1 June 2026 | Industry Tour | Orchards Adelaide Hills | Biosecurity Workshop | N/A |
Cherry 2026 will deliver a three-day program combining conference sessions, industry networking events and an orchard tour day in the Adelaide Hills.
The conference program will span production, research and innovation, trade and market development, industry leadership and future capability, with dedicated time for networking, discussion and connection across the cherry supply chain. A trade exhibition will also run alongside the conference.
The final day will include an industry tour field day showcasing South Australian production systems, research trials, post-harvest facilities and export operations.
Under the theme Together, We Grow, the night reflects the collective effort that drives Australian cherries forward.
It is about shared ambition, collaboration across regions and generations, and the momentum we build when we work side by side.Set in a warm and welcoming atmosphere, the evening will bring our community together to connect, reflect and look ahead with confidence. As we present the Cherry Industry Awards, we will recognise leadership, innovation and the impact individuals and businesses are making across the sector.
The evening will also create moments to capture and share the connections that make our industry unique.
This is more than a dinner. It is a moment to pause, celebrate how far we have come, and reaffirm the strength of an industry that grows stronger together.
Dress code: Cocktail attire (jacket optional).
Fees for attendance at single days are outlined below.
Cherry 2026 is proudly supported by industry partners who play a vital role in strengthening and advancing the Australian cherry industry. Sponsorship provides a unique opportunity to connect with growers, researchers, industry leaders and decision-makers from across Australia and internationally.
Sponsorship opportunities for Cherry 2026 are now open, download the prospectus now for full details and application process.
Cherry 2026 brings together leading voices from across the Australian and international cherry industry, research and allied sectors. Additional speakers will be announced as the program continues to take shape.
Chief Executive Officer, Cherry Growers Australia.
Penny Measham has been Chief Executive Officer of Cherry Growers Australia since May 2025. She brings extensive experience across horticulture, research and development, international trade, market development and biosecurity, with senior roles spanning industry, government and research organisations.
With deep roots in the cherry industry, Penny grew up in Tasmania and began her career working closely with cherry growers. She holds a degree in Applied Science (Agriculture) and a PhD focused on key challenges in cherry production. Penny is passionate about supporting growers and strengthening the future of the Australian cherry industry through collaboration, research and strong industry leadership.
Chair of the Board, Cherry Growers Australia
CEO, Wandin Valley Farms.
Alison Jones grew up on her family cherry farm in Wandin, Victoria, and has spent her career deeply connected to the Australian cherry industry. She is CEO of Wandin Valley Farms and was elected Chair of the Board of Cherry Growers Australia in 2025. Alison is passionate about supporting growers and strengthening the future of the Australian cherry industry.
Emeritus Professor of Food Marketing
Imperial College London
Dr. David Hughes is Emeritus Professor of Food Marketing at Imperial College London. As “Dr. Food”, he is a much sought-after speaker at international conferences and seminars on global food industry issues, particularly consumer and retail trends.
David has lived and worked in Europe, North America, the Caribbean, Africa and Southeast Asia. He was co-owner of a hydroponic branded fresh herb business in Florida. For 20 years, he was a Non-Executive Director of Berry Gardens, a major player in the UK fresh berry sector and, for 10 years, he was Sainsbury Professor of Food Business at The University of London. David is a frequent visitor to Australia.
At Cherry 2026, David will explore how global fruit consumption is evolving and where Australian cherries sit within that landscape. His session will focus on the opportunity to build a premium brand position in both domestic and export markets, drawing on real-world examples from other fruit categories to highlight what successful premium positioning looks like in practice and what lessons Australian growers can apply.
General Manager, Stratforms
Jonathan Cox is a leading Asia-Pacific market entry strategist & executor, with more than 25 years’ experience building & selling Australian brands across China, India, and the United States. As Managing Director of Stratforms Global Limited, he specialises in taking premium Australian food, beverage, and agricultural products into the world’s most competitive consumer markets, with a core focus on creating sustainable export pathways & sales for Australian growers and producer and manufactures.
Jonathan has held senior roles across FMCG, e-commerce, and international distribution, including executive leadership positions in China, North America, and Australia. Fluent in Mandarin and based between Guangzhou and Melbourne, he has designed and executed market expansion strategies for some of Australia’s best-known brands, covering fresh produce, beverages, wellness, and premium retail categories.
He is widely regarded for his hands-on understanding of cross-border e-commerce, digital brand activation, consumer storytelling, and trademark, regulatory, and compliance frameworks—areas increasingly vital for Australian producers entering Asia. His recent work includes supporting Tasmania’s seafood and specialty agriculture sectors, building high-value channels, and strengthening government-to-industry partnerships that promote Australian provenance and trust.
Jonathan is passionate about helping Australian growers—including the cherry sector—build scalable, long-term commercial success in Asia through transparent supply chains, strong branding, and meaningful engagement with new-generation consumers.
Senior Researcher (BSc)
Applied Agricultural Remote Sensing Centre (AARSC).
Craig Shephard has over 30 years professional experience in the mapping of landscape attributes—particularly land cover and land use. Craig holds a Bachelor of Science majoring in Environmental Science and Geography from Macquarie University, and is particularly focused on the application of web-based Geographic Information System (GIS) technology.
Craig applies a range of location-based tools to capture spatial data, analyse and compile mapping products and deliver spatial information via an ever-growing range of web applications. A selection of these can be launched from the AARSC Industry Applications and Maps page: www.une.edu.au/webapps.
Partner, CVA Australia
Robert is a Partner at Corporate Value Associates (CVA Australia), current Non-Executive Direct of Foodbank Victoria, former Partner at KPMG Australia and former FMCG senior executive. He advises across all parts of the food and fibre supply chain – from corporate farming to grocery retail and international trade. His focus in on facilitation, strategy development, business improvement, sustainability, policy and supporting mergers and acquisitions.
He has helped shape the strategic agenda for Australia’s consumer and food sectors and leads the discussion across all major sectors and corporates for ESG-related global supply chain and operating model transformation.
Robert grew up on his family farm in northern Victoria growing wool, lamb, grain, dairy and beef. He studied agricultural science and has a masters in business leadership. He forged a career in business including work in farm lending, genetics, policy, food manufacturing and top-tier consulting.
Most recently Robert led a major review of compliance in the Australian vegetable sector and provided detailed assessments of costs and recommended many improvements to the compliance system.
Senior Industry Service Manager, Hort Innovation
With more than 30 years’ experience across a wide mix of crops and countries, Hort Innovation’s new Senior Industry Services Manager Dumi Mhlanga is bringing energy, fresh ideas, and a grower-first approach to the Hort industry.
Dumi’s horticulture story began in 1994, after graduating in Production Horticulture and later completing a Masters in Agribusiness at the University of Melbourne. In his career to date, he has worked across Australia, South Africa and Zimbabwe, getting hands-on with everything from stone fruit, apples, pears and cherries through to walnuts, open-field cut flowers, native Australian flowers, organic herbs, and protected cropping in tomatoes and herbs.
These experiences have given him not only technical know-how, but a real passion for supporting growers and helping industries find new ways to thrive. That passion was seeded early in his childhood growing up in a farming family in Zimbabwe, so Dumi is certainly no stranger to long hours. He was often up at 5am to help with the cattle before school, then back out on the farm again afterwards. Those formative years gave him a deep respect for farming life and a strong connection to the land.
CEO, Hort Innovation
Brett Fifield is Chief Executive Officer of Hort Innovation, Australia’s grower-owned research and development corporation, steering strategic investment and innovation to strengthen the nation’s $18.4 billion horticulture sector. Since joining in 2022, Brett has driven a future-focused agenda to build a more productive, sustainable and globally competitive industry for Australian growers.
With over 20 years’ leadership experience across agriculture, biosecurity, food safety and policy, he brings expertise in strategy and understanding of Australian agriculture and food systems. Prior to Hort Innovation, Brett was Deputy Director General at NSW Department of Primary Industries. He grew up on a mixed farming property near Wagga Wagga in NSW.
Agronomist, Muirs
Sam Smee is an agronomist with more than 25 years of experience supporting growers across a range of high value crops. He holds a Bachelor of Agricultural Science and began his career working in poppy, pyrethrum and essential oils production before specialising in fruit agronomy.
Sam’s connection to cherries began as a seasonal picker for Domeney Bros. in southern Tasmania during his school holidays, where he saved enough to buy his first car. That early experience sparked an appreciation for the industry that has come full circle in his current work.
For the past 10 years, Sam has worked with Muirs in Tasmania, focusing on cherry production and supporting growers to consistently produce high quality fruit. He works closely with orchardists across the state, providing practical, evidence based advice tailored to local growing conditions.
Passionate about crop nutrition and its impact on fruit quality and yield, Sam combines strong technical knowledge with decades of on orchard experience to help growers achieve the best possible results.
Managing Director, Delytics
Mark Loeffen is leading the Hort Innovation Cherry Quality Improvement project for Cherry Growers Australia. He is a highly experienced manager, analytics expert and quality specialist who enjoys helping horticultural industries strengthen consumer demand and value by consistently supplying consumers with fruit they enjoy eating.
As Managing Director of Delytics, Mark has led many projects that have added significant value to a wide range of industries. These include leading Hort Innovation quality improvement projects for Australian table grapes and melons and helping Citrus Australia set national minimum maturity standards. Mark also helped the New Zealand navel orange industry adopt new minimum maturity standards, which lifted consumer acceptability from 64% to 96% in just one season and kept it above 80% for the next decade.
Earlier in his career, Mark served as a general manager at the internationally acclaimed Meat Industry Research Institute of New Zealand (MIRINZ) and was the foundation CEO of the seafood research consortium, Seafood Innovations.
Associate Professor, Head of Horticulture, Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture
Associate Professor Nigel Swarts is Head of Horticulture at the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture, University of Tasmania. His research focuses on tree physiology, with particular expertise in tree crop nutrition, water and nutrient use efficiency, and improving productivity in cool-climate horticulture systems.
He leads major industry-collaborative research programs spanning apples, cherries, berries and vegetable crops, working closely with growers to deliver practical, adoptable outcomes.
Nigel has a strong track record in both applied horticulture and plant science, with earlier research in conservation biology and orchid ecology. He is passionate about industry-driven research that enhances sustainability, profitability, and resilience in horticultural production systems.
Grower and Owner, Smiths Fruit
Andrew Smith is a third-generation cherry grower and owner–manager of Smiths Fruit in Taminick, Victoria, continuing a proud family farming legacy spanning more than 140 years.
Combining traditional orchard knowledge with modern horticultural practices, Andrew focuses on soil health, crop nutrition, and orchard system performance to consistently produce premium cherries.
Alongside managing the family orchard and packhouse, he works with Hybrid-Ag as a horticultural nutrient agronomist, helping growers translate practical experience into effective nutrition strategies. Andrew brings a grower’s perspective to industry discussions, grounded in real-world orchard experience and a passion for advancing Australian horticulture and improving crop performance across the industry.
Development Officer, NSW DPIRD
Jessica is passionate about communicating and working with growers and the industry on challenging issues. Her main research areas include developing adaptation strategies to a changing climate, improving soil health and extension.
Jessica is the National Extension Manager for the Australian cherry industry and is the project lead for the industry's extension and communication project, funded by Hort Innovation. Jessica is currently studying for her PhD through a partnership between NSW DPIRD and the University of Tasmania and is investigating soil carbon sequestration in perennial orchards.
CEO, Agri Labour Australia
Michael has more than 15 years’ experience across various industries (including horticulture, food manufacturing and meat processing), and has worked within companies, industry bodies and government.
Michael has been actively engaged with workforce issues including the PALM program, working holiday makers, training, workforce planning and industry data through government committees and working groups for more than 10 years, operationally through key roles at employers, and as board member of the Approved Employers of Australia (industry representative body for PALM employers).
Michael is currently employed as CEO of Agri Labour Australia – a workforce solutions company employing more than 2,500 people across fruit, vegetables, nuts, beef, poultry, sugar, pork, grains, cotton and other key agri-food products. Michael is also Chief Operating Officer of Health Plus People.
Founder at TurnerCo
Sam Turner is the founder of TurnerCo, an agricultural consulting and content platform focused on modern, sustainable farming practices and biotech. He is also an Autonomist at Ornata Technologies, where he is working to bring real autonomy to Australian agriculture through autonomous machinery.
With over 20 years of experience across production, agronomy, export strategy, industry advocacy, and protected cropping, Sam brings a rare breadth of knowledge to the challenge of transforming how Australia farms. He holds a degree in Agricultural Science from La Trobe University and has completed postgraduate studies in Agribusiness at Marcus Oldham College.
Founder, Fresh Intelligence Consulting
Wayne Prowse, founder of Fresh Intelligence Consulting, delivers data-driven insights across global fresh produce markets. With extensive experience in agricultural trade analysis, Wayne is recognised for his expertise in cherries, and other high-value horticultural sectors.
He works closely with growers, exporters, and industry bodies to interpret market trends, pricing dynamics, and international trade flows. His analysis supports strategic decision making across supply chains, particularly in navigating seasonal shifts and emerging export opportunities. Wayne is a trusted voice in the industry, known for clear, commercially relevant intelligence.
Marketing Manager, Retail, Hort Innovation
Deb is a highly experienced FMCG and retail marketing professional with over 25 years’ experience across sales, marketing and category management. She has worked with some of Australia’s most recognised brands, including Tip Top, Tooheys & Blackmores, as well as global brands such as Heineken, Doritos and Ferrero.
Known for her strong expertise in shopper behaviour and retail engagement, Deb has partnered closely with Australia’s leading retailers to deliver effective in‑store activations and category solutions. Since joining Hort Innovation Australia in early 2025, she has led retailer engagement programs focused on driving shopper demand for Australian fresh produce through retail activations, shopper communications, and staff education initiatives.
Research Leader Horticulture Production Sciences, Agriculture Victoria
Dr Ian Goodwin is the Research Leader in Horticulture Production Sciences in Agriculture Victoria based at the Tatura SmartFarm. Ian has over 40 years’ experience in horticulture research and innovation with a focus on irrigation, intensive production systems and climate challenges. He spent many years studying deficit irrigation strategies and developing water budgets to assist fruit industries to cope with irrigation shortfalls.
Currently, Ian’s team at Tatura is studying tree physiology and water relations in bespoke research orchards including the Sundial Orchard, the Panels over Pears experiment and the Narrow Orchard Systems project. He also leads the Survival Signatures project, which aims to provide growers with tools to minimise the long-term impact of low water allocations.
Head Plant Breeder at Bloom Fresh
Chris Owens, Ph.D. is the Head Plant Breeder at Bloom Fresh and has been in his current role since 2016. Dr. Owens leads a large team that is developing improved varieties of sweet cherries and table grapes as well as heading Bloom’s R&D department in the area of fruit genetics.
Bloom Fresh is a global leader in fruit varietal development with more than 70 varieties and significant acreage around the world. Dr. Owens holds a BS in Horticulture from the University of Maryland, an MS in Pomology from Cornell University, and a PhD in Plant Breeding & Genetics from Michigan State University. Dr. Owens has spent close to 30 years in the field of fruit breeding, primarily focusing on developing improved varieties of cherries and table grapes.
Grower, Ceravolos Orchards
Giuseppe Ceravolo, better known as Joe, is an apple, cherry and pear grower from South Australia. He is a third-generation orchardist who joined the family business in 1992 after completing a Mechanical Engineering Degree at Adelaide University. He manages several orchards owned by the family across the Adelaide Hills, mainly focusing on more than a hundred hectares of apples and ten hectares of cherries. He is a director of the family companies as well as being a director of APAL, a director of the local co-op and a member of the Cherry SIAP committee.
Independent Consultant, Kitchener Partners
Tristan Kitchener brings a rare perspective to the cherry industry, he's both a retail strategist and a part owner of a cherry packing and marketing business in Orange, NSW, supplying domestic and export markets.
With over 25 years of experience across the grocery value chain, Tristan has held senior roles with Coles in Australia and Sainsbury's in the UK, giving him a practical understanding of how retailers operate and what drives demand. Through Kitchener Partners, he works with growers, suppliers and industry organisations to better align production with market needs, improve supply chain collaboration and capture more value. He is also an Operating Partner with ROC Partners, a private equity firm with more than $2.5 billion invested in Australian agriculture.
At Cherry 2026, Tristan will explore why growing demand must keep pace with production, and how protecting Australian cherries' reputation for quality and premium positioning is key to ensuring the industry's long-term value, not just its volume.
Chief Executive Officer, Cherry Growers Australia.
Penny Measham has been Chief Executive Officer of Cherry Growers Australia since May 2025. She brings extensive experience across horticulture, research and development, international trade, market development and biosecurity, with senior roles spanning industry, government and research organisations.
With deep roots in the cherry industry, Penny grew up in Tasmania and began her career working closely with cherry growers. She holds a degree in Applied Science (Agriculture) and a PhD focused on key challenges in cherry production. Penny is passionate about supporting growers and strengthening the future of the Australian cherry industry through collaboration, research and strong industry leadership.
Chair of the Board, Cherry Growers Australia
CEO, Wandin Valley Farms.
Alison Jones grew up on her family cherry farm in Wandin, Victoria, and has spent her career deeply connected to the Australian cherry industry. She is CEO of Wandin Valley Farms and was elected Chair of the Board of Cherry Growers Australia in 2025. Alison is passionate about supporting growers and strengthening the future of the Australian cherry industry.
Emeritus Professor of Food Marketing
Imperial College London
Dr. David Hughes is Emeritus Professor of Food Marketing at Imperial College London. As “Dr. Food”, he is a much sought-after speaker at international conferences and seminars on global food industry issues, particularly consumer and retail trends.
David has lived and worked in Europe, North America, the Caribbean, Africa and Southeast Asia. He was co-owner of a hydroponic branded fresh herb business in Florida. For 20 years, he was a Non-Executive Director of Berry Gardens, a major player in the UK fresh berry sector and, for 10 years, he was Sainsbury Professor of Food Business at The University of London. David is a frequent visitor to Australia.
At Cherry 2026, David will explore how global fruit consumption is evolving and where Australian cherries sit within that landscape. His session will focus on the opportunity to build a premium brand position in both domestic and export markets, drawing on real-world examples from other fruit categories to highlight what successful premium positioning looks like in practice and what lessons Australian growers can apply.
General Manager, Stratforms
Jonathan Cox is a leading Asia-Pacific market entry strategist & executor, with more than 25 years’ experience building & selling Australian brands across China, India, and the United States. As Managing Director of Stratforms Global Limited, he specialises in taking premium Australian food, beverage, and agricultural products into the world’s most competitive consumer markets, with a core focus on creating sustainable export pathways & sales for Australian growers and producer and manufactures.
Jonathan has held senior roles across FMCG, e-commerce, and international distribution, including executive leadership positions in China, North America, and Australia. Fluent in Mandarin and based between Guangzhou and Melbourne, he has designed and executed market expansion strategies for some of Australia’s best-known brands, covering fresh produce, beverages, wellness, and premium retail categories.
He is widely regarded for his hands-on understanding of cross-border e-commerce, digital brand activation, consumer storytelling, and trademark, regulatory, and compliance frameworks—areas increasingly vital for Australian producers entering Asia. His recent work includes supporting Tasmania’s seafood and specialty agriculture sectors, building high-value channels, and strengthening government-to-industry partnerships that promote Australian provenance and trust.
Jonathan is passionate about helping Australian growers—including the cherry sector—build scalable, long-term commercial success in Asia through transparent supply chains, strong branding, and meaningful engagement with new-generation consumers.
Senior Researcher (BSc)
Applied Agricultural Remote Sensing Centre (AARSC).
Craig Shephard has over 30 years professional experience in the mapping of landscape attributes—particularly land cover and land use. Craig holds a Bachelor of Science majoring in Environmental Science and Geography from Macquarie University, and is particularly focused on the application of web-based Geographic Information System (GIS) technology.
Craig applies a range of location-based tools to capture spatial data, analyse and compile mapping products and deliver spatial information via an ever-growing range of web applications. A selection of these can be launched from the AARSC Industry Applications and Maps page: www.une.edu.au/webapps.
Partner, CVA Australia
Robert is a Partner at Corporate Value Associates (CVA Australia), current Non-Executive Direct of Foodbank Victoria, former Partner at KPMG Australia and former FMCG senior executive. He advises across all parts of the food and fibre supply chain – from corporate farming to grocery retail and international trade. His focus in on facilitation, strategy development, business improvement, sustainability, policy and supporting mergers and acquisitions.
He has helped shape the strategic agenda for Australia’s consumer and food sectors and leads the discussion across all major sectors and corporates for ESG-related global supply chain and operating model transformation.
Robert grew up on his family farm in northern Victoria growing wool, lamb, grain, dairy and beef. He studied agricultural science and has a masters in business leadership. He forged a career in business including work in farm lending, genetics, policy, food manufacturing and top-tier consulting.
Most recently Robert led a major review of compliance in the Australian vegetable sector and provided detailed assessments of costs and recommended many improvements to the compliance system.
Senior Industry Service Manager, Hort Innovation
With more than 30 years’ experience across a wide mix of crops and countries, Hort Innovation’s new Senior Industry Services Manager Dumi Mhlanga is bringing energy, fresh ideas, and a grower-first approach to the Hort industry.
Dumi’s horticulture story began in 1994, after graduating in Production Horticulture and later completing a Masters in Agribusiness at the University of Melbourne. In his career to date, he has worked across Australia, South Africa and Zimbabwe, getting hands-on with everything from stone fruit, apples, pears and cherries through to walnuts, open-field cut flowers, native Australian flowers, organic herbs, and protected cropping in tomatoes and herbs.
These experiences have given him not only technical know-how, but a real passion for supporting growers and helping industries find new ways to thrive. That passion was seeded early in his childhood growing up in a farming family in Zimbabwe, so Dumi is certainly no stranger to long hours. He was often up at 5am to help with the cattle before school, then back out on the farm again afterwards. Those formative years gave him a deep respect for farming life and a strong connection to the land.
CEO, Hort Innovation
Brett Fifield is Chief Executive Officer of Hort Innovation, Australia’s grower-owned research and development corporation, steering strategic investment and innovation to strengthen the nation’s $18.4 billion horticulture sector. Since joining in 2022, Brett has driven a future-focused agenda to build a more productive, sustainable and globally competitive industry for Australian growers.
With over 20 years’ leadership experience across agriculture, biosecurity, food safety and policy, he brings expertise in strategy and understanding of Australian agriculture and food systems. Prior to Hort Innovation, Brett was Deputy Director General at NSW Department of Primary Industries. He grew up on a mixed farming property near Wagga Wagga in NSW.
Agronomist, Muirs
Sam Smee is an agronomist with more than 25 years of experience supporting growers across a range of high value crops. He holds a Bachelor of Agricultural Science and began his career working in poppy, pyrethrum and essential oils production before specialising in fruit agronomy.
Sam’s connection to cherries began as a seasonal picker for Domeney Bros. in southern Tasmania during his school holidays, where he saved enough to buy his first car. That early experience sparked an appreciation for the industry that has come full circle in his current work.
For the past 10 years, Sam has worked with Muirs in Tasmania, focusing on cherry production and supporting growers to consistently produce high quality fruit. He works closely with orchardists across the state, providing practical, evidence based advice tailored to local growing conditions.
Passionate about crop nutrition and its impact on fruit quality and yield, Sam combines strong technical knowledge with decades of on orchard experience to help growers achieve the best possible results.
Managing Director, Delytics
Mark Loeffen is leading the Hort Innovation Cherry Quality Improvement project for Cherry Growers Australia. He is a highly experienced manager, analytics expert and quality specialist who enjoys helping horticultural industries strengthen consumer demand and value by consistently supplying consumers with fruit they enjoy eating.
As Managing Director of Delytics, Mark has led many projects that have added significant value to a wide range of industries. These include leading Hort Innovation quality improvement projects for Australian table grapes and melons and helping Citrus Australia set national minimum maturity standards. Mark also helped the New Zealand navel orange industry adopt new minimum maturity standards, which lifted consumer acceptability from 64% to 96% in just one season and kept it above 80% for the next decade.
Earlier in his career, Mark served as a general manager at the internationally acclaimed Meat Industry Research Institute of New Zealand (MIRINZ) and was the foundation CEO of the seafood research consortium, Seafood Innovations.
Associate Professor, Head of Horticulture, Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture
Associate Professor Nigel Swarts is Head of Horticulture at the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture, University of Tasmania. His research focuses on tree physiology, with particular expertise in tree crop nutrition, water and nutrient use efficiency, and improving productivity in cool-climate horticulture systems.
He leads major industry-collaborative research programs spanning apples, cherries, berries and vegetable crops, working closely with growers to deliver practical, adoptable outcomes.
Nigel has a strong track record in both applied horticulture and plant science, with earlier research in conservation biology and orchid ecology. He is passionate about industry-driven research that enhances sustainability, profitability, and resilience in horticultural production systems.
Grower and Owner, Smiths Fruit
Andrew Smith is a third-generation cherry grower and owner–manager of Smiths Fruit in Taminick, Victoria, continuing a proud family farming legacy spanning more than 140 years.
Combining traditional orchard knowledge with modern horticultural practices, Andrew focuses on soil health, crop nutrition, and orchard system performance to consistently produce premium cherries.
Alongside managing the family orchard and packhouse, he works with Hybrid-Ag as a horticultural nutrient agronomist, helping growers translate practical experience into effective nutrition strategies. Andrew brings a grower’s perspective to industry discussions, grounded in real-world orchard experience and a passion for advancing Australian horticulture and improving crop performance across the industry.
CEO, Agri Labour Australia
Michael has more than 15 years’ experience across various industries (including horticulture, food manufacturing and meat processing), and has worked within companies, industry bodies and government.
Michael has been actively engaged with workforce issues including the PALM program, working holiday makers, training, workforce planning and industry data through government committees and working groups for more than 10 years, operationally through key roles at employers, and as board member of the Approved Employers of Australia (industry representative body for PALM employers).
Michael is currently employed as CEO of Agri Labour Australia – a workforce solutions company employing more than 2,500 people across fruit, vegetables, nuts, beef, poultry, sugar, pork, grains, cotton and other key agri-food products. Michael is also Chief Operating Officer of Health Plus People.
Founder, Fresh Intelligence Consulting
Wayne Prowse, founder of Fresh Intelligence Consulting, delivers data-driven insights across global fresh produce markets. With extensive experience in agricultural trade analysis, Wayne is recognised for his expertise in cherries, and other high-value horticultural sectors.
He works closely with growers, exporters, and industry bodies to interpret market trends, pricing dynamics, and international trade flows. His analysis supports strategic decision making across supply chains, particularly in navigating seasonal shifts and emerging export opportunities. Wayne is a trusted voice in the industry, known for clear, commercially relevant intelligence.
Autonomist at Ornata
Sam Turner is an Autonomist at Ornata, where he is working to bring real autonomy to Australian agriculture through both hardware and software solutions. He is also the founder of TurnerCo, his agricultural consulting and content platform focused on modern, sustainable farming practices.
With over 20 years of experience across production, agronomy, export strategy, industry advocacy, and protected cropping, Sam brings a rare breadth of knowledge to the challenge of transforming how Australia farms. He holds a degree in Agricultural Science from La Trobe University and has completed postgraduate studies in Agribusiness at Marcus Oldham College.
Head Plant Breeder at Bloom Fresh
Chris Owens, Ph.D. is the Head Plant Breeder at Bloom Fresh and has been in his current role since 2016. Dr. Owens leads a large team that is developing improved varieties of sweet cherries and table grapes as well as heading Bloom’s R&D department in the area of fruit genetics. Bloom Fresh is a global leader in fruit varietal development with more than 70 varieties and significant acreage around the world.
Dr. Owens holds a BS in Horticulture from the University of Maryland, an MS in Pomology from Cornell University, and a PhD in Plant Breeding & Genetics from Michigan State University. Dr. Owens has spent close to 30 years in the field of fruit breeding, primarily focusing on developing improved varieties of cherries and table grapes.
Research Leader Horticulture Production Sciences, Agriculture Victoria
Dr Ian Goodwin is the Research Leader of Horticulture Production Sciences in Agriculture Victoria based at the Tatura SmartFarm. Ian has over 40 years’ experience in horticulture research and innovation with a focus on irrigation, intensive production systems and climate challenges. He spent many years studying deficit irrigation strategies and developing water budgets to assist fruit industries to cope with irrigation shortfalls.
Currently, Ian’s team at Tatura is studying tree physiology and water relations in bespoke research orchards including the Sundial Orchard, the Panels over Pears experiment and the Narrow Orchard Systems project. He also leads the Survival Signatures project, which aims to provide growers with tools to minimise the long-term impact of low water allocations.
Development Officer, NSW DPIRD
Jessica is passionate about communicating and working with growers and the industry on challenging issues. Her main research areas include developing adaptation strategies to a changing climate, improving soil health and extension.
Jessica is the National Extension Manager for the Australian cherry industry and is the project lead for the industry's extension and communication project, funded by Hort Innovation. Jessica is currently studying for her PhD through a partnership between NSW DPIRD and the University of Tasmania and is investigating soil carbon sequestration in perennial orchards.
Marketing Manager, Retail, Hort Innovation
Deb is a highly experienced FMCG and retail marketing professional with over 25 years’ experience across sales, marketing and category management. She has worked with some of Australia’s most recognised brands, including Tip Top, Tooheys & Blackmores, as well as global brands such as Heineken, Doritos and Ferrero.
Known for her strong expertise in shopper behaviour and retail engagement, Deb has partnered closely with Australia’s leading retailers to deliver effective in‑store activations and category solutions. Since joining Hort Innovation Australia in early 2025, she has led retailer engagement programs focused on driving shopper demand for Australian fresh produce through retail activations, shopper communications, and staff education initiatives.
Grower, Ceravolos Orchards
Giuseppe Ceravolo, better known as Joe, is an apple, cherry and pear grower from South Australia. He is a third-generation orchardist who joined the family business in 1992 after completing a Mechanical Engineering Degree at Adelaide University. He manages several orchards owned by the family across the Adelaide Hills, mainly focusing on more than a hundred hectares of apples and ten hectares of cherries. He is a director of the family companies as well as being a director of APAL, a director of the local co-op and a member of the Cherry SIAP committee.
Independent Consultant, Kitchener Partners
Tristan Kitchener brings a rare perspective to the cherry industry, he's both a retail strategist and a part owner of a cherry packing and marketing business in Orange, NSW, supplying domestic and export markets.
With over 25 years of experience across the grocery value chain, Tristan has held senior roles with Coles in Australia and Sainsbury's in the UK, giving him a practical understanding of how retailers operate and what drives demand. Through Kitchener Partners, he works with growers, suppliers and industry organisations to better align production with market needs, improve supply chain collaboration and capture more value. He is also an Operating Partner with ROC Partners, a private equity firm with more than $2.5 billion invested in Australian agriculture.
At Cherry 2026, Tristan will explore why growing demand must keep pace with production, and how protecting Australian cherries' reputation for quality and premium positioning is key to ensuring the industry's long-term value, not just its volume.
Director
Coming Soon
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