Ensuring cherries reach consumers in peak condition is vital for delivering the exceptional quality they expect, and the cool chain makes it possible. By preserving freshness, extending shelf life and enhancing fruit quality, a well-managed cool chain supports growers in providing the best cherries to market. It also helps build a strong reputation and creates satisfied customers who return for more.
Understanding the cool chain is key to achieving these outstanding results.
Cool chain refers to the temperature-controlled supply chain necessary for preserving perishable goods like cherries. It involves a series of carefully managed steps to keep cherries at a consistent and optimal temperature from harvest to consumption, thus maintaining their freshness and quality.
Cherries are harvested early in the morning when temperatures are cooler to minimise field heat.
Immediately after harvest, cherries undergo rapid cooling to remove field heat, slow down respiration and delay ripening. Techniques like hydro-cooling (using cold water) or forced-air cooling are commonly used.
This step is vital for extending the shelf life of the cherries.
Cherries are stored in cold rooms at optimal temperatures (around 0-1°C or 32-34°F) with high humidity to maintain freshness. Proper storage conditions help slow down respiration rates and maintain quality.
Packaging materials that allow good air circulation and provide protection against mechanical damage are used.
Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) is also used to extend shelf life by altering the atmosphere around the cherries.
During transport, whether by truck, ship, or air, maintaining the cool chain is essential. Refrigerated trucks and containers (reefers) ensure that cherries remain at the required temperatures throughout the journey.
Upon arrival at distribution centres or retail outlets, cherries are kept in refrigerated environments until they are purchased by consumers.
Maintaining the cool chain up to the point of sale ensures consumers receive high-quality, fresh cherries.
Modern cool chain systems employ various technologies to monitor and control temperature and humidity levels throughout the supply chain.
Data loggers, sensors and internet of things (IoT) devices provide real-time information and alerts for any deviations, ensuring prompt corrective actions can be taken.
For more detailed guidance and support, feel free to reach out to Cherry Growers Australia. Please also refer to the recent Cherries Traceability Project for further information on how traceability impacts cool chain.
Together, we can ensure the highest standards in cherry production and distribution.
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