The cherry industry came together in Adelaide at the end of May, and if the energy in the room was anything to go by, it was exactly what everyone needed.
Cherry 2026 brought growers, exporters, researchers, industry partners and emerging leaders under one roof for three days of conversation, connection and a few good meals along the way. From the Welcome Reception on Saturday evening through to the Industry Tour in the Adelaide Hills on Monday morning, the feedback from delegates was clear, being in the same room as fellow cherry industry people, swapping stories and sharing ideas, was the highlight.
That is not something you can put in a program. It just happens when the right people show up.
The conference day opened with a welcome to country by Uncle Mickey, shortly after the Emerging Cherry Leaders taking their place on the main stage and it was a genuinely powerful way to start the day. Hearing from the next generation of industry voices set a tone that carried through everything that followed, and delegates responded to it warmly.
Throughout the day, the program created space for practical discussion and honest conversation. The panel discussions were a real strength, giving growers, researchers and industry specialists the opportunity to share perspectives on production, quality, varieties, markets and where the industry goes next.
Professor David Hughes then took to the stage in the afternoon with a keynote that had the room leaning forward. His perspective on global food markets and where Australian cherries sit within them gave delegates plenty to think about. The export and ‘driving demand for Australian cherries’ sessions that followed drew particularly strong engagement, with growers keen to understand what is happening in the markets they are growing for.
The Gala Dinner at the National Wine Centre was a night to remember, and the Industry Awards gave the industry a chance to recognise the people doing outstanding work across the sector. Congratulations again to all of this year’s recipients.
The Industry Tour on Monday morning was a genuine highlight. Andy Flavell, the Ceravolo family opened their properties and shared their operations with generosity and openness. Delegates left the Adelaide Hills with new ideas, new contacts, and a renewed appreciation for what Australian cherry growers are achieving.
Together, we grow. That was the theme of Cherry 2026, and it turned out to be more than a tagline. We will take everything we heard and learned in Adelaide into planning for Cherry 2028. Watch this space.
Thank you to every delegate, sponsor, exhibitor, speaker and volunteer who made Cherry 2026 what it was.
