The event was well attended with stakeholders from the entire supply chain including growers, predominately from Young and Orange, transporters, freight forwarders, retailers, wholesalers from Brisbane and Sydney, exporters, packaging suppliers, chemical suppliers and supporting networks, including government and NSW Farmers.

Fiona Hall, President of NSW cherry growers and owner of ‘BiteRiot’, said she was pleased with the turnout to the event as it reflected the interest that the industry is attracting. The event provides an opportunity for all stakeholders to get together, prior to harvest, to network and deliver a consistent message, so everyone is on the same page.

The afternoon included varied speakers covering a range of topics. Tom Eastlake, President of Cherry Growers Australia, gave a national crop update and, at the given time, the expectation could be up to 50% down on the expected 18,000 tonne crop, due to wet and cold weather experienced during pollination.

David Harris, Founder of Harris Farm Markets, addressed the audience with the expectations of quality that the retailers’ customers now demand and their increasing challenge in securing the fruit and competing with the export market. He also mentioned that the fruit from the Orange district, and their excellent quality and size in recent years, has seen an increase in customers demanding this fruit.

The major sponsors of the event were NSW DPI, VisyGlama Pak and Main Freight Logistics.

The 2017 event will be held again in Young.