A group of emerging Australian cherry industry leaders visited Central Otago, New Zealand, in August to examine orchard management, cultivation technologies, and fruit quality practices.
The two-day study tour included visits to Suncrest Orchard, 45 South Cherries, Electric Cherries, Panmure Orchard, Darlings Orchard, and Fairview Orchard across Cromwell, Clyde, Alexandra, and Roxburgh.
Participants examined orchard systems, labor-saving technologies, cultivation methods, and fruit quality management. Discussions with local growers covered operational challenges and approaches to improving orchard productivity.
The delegation also visited the CentralPac packhouse to observe post-harvest handling, packing, quality assurance, and export preparation. At the Bioeconomy Science Institute in Clyde, participants received information on research and development projects involving stone fruit cultivation.
The visit included a networking dinner in Queenstown and a curling activity with local growers following the CentralPac visit.
On the final day, participants attended a Summerfruit New Zealand workshop, where they discussed cultivation issues with young growers from the New Zealand cherry industry.
The study tour was supported by participating orchard businesses and Summerfruit New Zealand, which facilitated connections between the Australian delegation and Central Otago’s cherry sector.
Frontpage photo:
© Jasmina976 | Dreamstime
Source: countrynews.com.au
Publication date:
Thu 29 Oct 2026
