Tasmanian cherries to mark Taiwan Lunar New Year 2026 Celebrations

Fruit Growers Tasmania | Thursday, 8 January 2026, 7.30pm

To mark the start of the Tasmanian export cherry season, an official launch event will be held on Friday 9 January in Taipei, Taiwan.

Taiwan is Tasmania’s largest export market for cherries.

The launch event will bring together key representatives from the Tasmanian cherry industry, Fruit Growers Tasmania, Cherry Growers Australia, and Austrade. It is the final event for Australia’s export cherry season launches and coincides perfectly with the peak Tasmanian cherry season.

Importers and buyers will attend the official cherry season launch which denotes the six week countdown to Lunar New Year celebrations.

People living in Taiwan, like in many Asian communities, recognize the first new moon after winter solstice as the start of a new year and celebrate this time with family and friends sharing gifts for good fortune. The timing of the Lunar New Year makes Tasmanian cherries an ideal gift!

Peter Cornish, CEO of Fruit Growers Tasmania and board member of Cherry Growers Australia, said “Our cool maritime climate and long slow growing seasons means our fruit acquires an unrivalled depth of flavor and is of exceptional quality.

“We had a slow start to the cherry season this year in Tasmania. A cool spring and early summer have delayed fruit ripening but thankfully this delay will mean ideal timing for late January and early February Lunar New Year celebrations!”

In relation to the launch event Peter added, “It’s an honour to participate in this event on behalf of Tasmanian growers who are busy in their orchards packing delicious fresh red cherries to send to Taiwan.

“Our growers appreciate the ongoing support they receive from their importers and the retailers in Taiwan and this event is in part to thank them for all their efforts.

“I’d also like to say a massive thanks to our growers, who remain committed to advancing Tasmania’s cherry exports and enhancing the prominence of Tasmanian fruit in global markets.”

At the launch, an address by Tasmanian Deputy Premier and Minister for Trade Guy Barnett will be shared, recognizing the importance of the Taiwan market. The Tasmanian Pest Free Area is the only region within Australia that can export cherries to Taiwan, something the Tasmanian Government is dedicated to maintaining.

The Taiwan cherry season launch is made possible thanks to the ongoing efforts of Austrade, Cherry Growers Australia, Fruit Growers Tasmania, and Hort Innovation.