From around late October to February, indulge in the irresistible sweetness of Australian cherries.
Bursting with flavour and naturally juicy, cherries are the perfect summer treat for every occasion – from picnic spreads to festive family gatherings.
Cherries deep red colour and unique taste make them a true seasonal favourite.
Not only are they delicious, but Australian cherries are also a healthy snack choice, packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Whether you’re sharing them with friends or enjoying them on the go, cherries bring a joyful, fresh taste to your summer moments.
Did you know Australia is home to a stunning array of cherry varieties, each with its own unique flavour, texture and colour?
This diversity makes every cherry season an adventure for your taste buds. From the rich sweetness of Santina to the firm, juicy bite of Lapins, there’s a variety to suit every palette.
What makes Australian cherries so special is the care and expertise of our growers. Different varieties are chosen not just for their taste but for how well they thrive in each unique growing condition. This means cherries are harvested at their peak, offering exceptional freshness and quality throughout the season, from the first early picks in October to the last luscious harvests in February.
Australian cherries are not just an amazing treat for you to enjoy, they reflect the dedication of growers who carefully select varieties suited to their local climate and market needs. This thoughtful approach ensures the cherries you enjoy are fresh, flavoursome and grown to the highest standards.
Whether you’re snacking on them, adding them to a dessert or gifting them as a festive favourite, Australian cherries showcase the best of our growers’ passion and expertise.
For more information on growing regions and seasons click HERE.
This red-hot superfruit is loaded with antioxidants, making it a standout choice for your wellbeing. Fresh cherries have also been found to have incredible health benefits.
Emerging studies suggest that phytonutrients in cherries may help lower the risk of heart disease, certain cancers and diabetes, while also alleviating gout and arthritis pain.
Cherries are bursting with anthocyanins, the antioxidants responsible for their vibrant red colour, as well as flavonoids like quercetin and kaempferol.
Not only are cherries delicious, but they also provide a good source of vitamin C and are rich in potassium and fibre.
01 red-hot ‘superfruit’ offers health benefits
Emerging studies show fresh cherries are a rich source of certain antioxidants and contain other phytonutrients – plant pigments that have been linked to a variety of health promoting benefits including anti-inflammatory and anti-obesity effects.
It’s easy to enjoy fresh cherries every day in a variety of ways. For example you can include them in a trail mix as a snack, juice them for a refreshing post-workout drink or use them as a sweet addition to a savoury entree or main meal.
Fresh cherries appear to not only retain more of their nutrients than processed cherries, they also provide a unique combination of phytonutrients in one package that work together to deliver health benefits not available in antioxidant supplements or pills. Cherries may also work to deliver a powerful ‘cocktail’ of antioxidants.
Cherries have only 250 kilojoules (60 calories) per 100 grams and contain virtually no fat or cholesterol.
Emerging research suggest that anti-inflammatory components in cherries may promote the repair of muscles that have been damaged by exercise. This effect has been attributed to specific anthocyanins shown to relieve muscle pain and joint soreness associated with inflammation.
Free radicals which destroy the collagen and elastin network are believed to be a major contributing factor in the production of fine lines and wrinkles. Eating foods rich in antioxidants, such as cherries, may help to reduce and neutralise free radicals that destroy the collagen and elastin network; keeping skin supple and firm and slowing the signs of skin aging.
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The English name cherry evolved from the French, cerise, which in turn comes from the latin, cerasum. This is likely to be related to the name of a city in Asia Minor (now Turkey), called Cerasus, which was known for its abundance of cherries. It is also said that it was cherries from Cerasus that were first imported to Europe.
Cherries were introduced to England at the command of Henry VIII, who had tasted them in Flanders (Belgium).
Cherries are drupes, or stone fruit. They have a single seed, or pip, and are surrounded by flesh and a thin skin. They are related to plums, peaches and nectarines.
There are over 900 different varieties of sweet cherries recorded worldwide!
Songwriters Lew Brown and Ray Henderson wrote a song called ‘Life is Just a Bowl of Cherries’. The song, recorded in 1931, expresses the notion that life, just like the cherry season, is brief, so we should enjoy it while we’ve got it.
The heaviest cherry on record was grown in Italy by Gerardo Maggipinto in 2003. It weighed 21.69 g.
Australia has a diverse range of cherry growing regions. Most have a cool temperate climate, which produce great quality cherries. To find out more about our growing regions click HERE.
Australian cherries have a very short season, from October to February, so it is important to take advantage and make good use of them while they are around!
No. As soon as cherries are picked and sorted they are sent straight to the markets and shops, ready to be bought the very next day.
Last year, Australians consumed 11,000 tonnes of cherries!
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
