Fruit Growers Tasmania celebrate 33rd Industry Conference in 2025

Fruit Growers Tasmania | Thursday, 5 June 2025, 11.45am

Fruit Growers Tasmania will hold their 33rd Industry Conference in Hobart next week on Thursday 12 and Friday 13 June.

This event will bring together growers and industry partners to network and gain insights on the future of the Tasmanian fruit industry.

Peter Cornish, Fruit Growers Tasmania CEO said, “The industry conference provides an opportunity for our growers and supply chain partners to gather and discuss the issues facing the industry. This really is the major event in the Tasmanian fruit growers’ calendar.”

The central theme of the conference is Tasmanian Grown Quality, and conference keynote speaker is Tasmanian legend, Rob Pennicott of Pennicott Wilderness Journeys. Rob is sure to provide inspiration to those attending by his approach to business and the pursuit of quality.

The conference will feature a top line-up of presenters including Michael Simonetta, CEO of Perfection Fresh. Michael has been instrumental in taking what was a small Sydney Market operation and growing it into an international marketer of fresh fruit and vegetables, with more than 1200 employees and a range of global investment partners.

Joanne Chen, the retail CEO of Citistores and Unicorn Stores, based in Hong Kong heads a Japanese style supermarket chain with a focus of fresh produce. Joanne has more than 30 years of experience in wholesale and retail in Hong Kong and Canada.

Adam Blake is CEO of Blundstone Australia, a 150 year old Tasmanian boot manufacturer that grew into an iconic global brand. Blundstone is the epitome of a Tasmanian family company that has been built on quality and Adam will tell the company’s story of quality and brand.

Peter Cornish added, “We will also hear from growers who are leaders in their field. I would encourage anyone interested in our industry to come along to what is sure to be an inspiring event.”

Almost 30 local and national trade exhibitors and sponsors have signed up to provide valuable insights and information about their products and services to growers in Tasmania.

“We couldn’t put on an event of this scale without the valuable support of our major sponsors including Nutrien Ag Solutions, Visy, Muirs, Hort Innovation, Hobart Airport and
Steritech. We thank all our sponsors and exhibitors for their support of the conference, it demonstrates their commitment to the Tasmanian fruit industry,” said Peter.

Fruit Growers Tasmania’s President, Nic Hansen, said “Our industry conferences are always a great opportunity for growers to come together and share their passion for the industry, I for one cannot wait!”