Cherry volumes across Central Otago are continuing to look strong for the 2025 season, but heavy rain over the Christmas period had some impact on the fruit.

A Cromwell grower spoken to in mid-November was quoted as saying it was very hard to kill a cherry in mid-November as the frosts were usually well and truly gone, but this year has been a real mixed bag of weather.

Frost fans were still going in mid-December on some orchards, and then several days of rain over the Christmas period kept many growers on their toes.

Suncrest Orchard owner Michael Jones said some varieties had been affected by rain but it had still been a good start to the season.

The rain that fell was mostly overnight in quite cool conditions and was then followed by wind which helped dry the cherries off.

Leaning Rock Cherries owner Pete Bennie, of Alexandra, was happy with the 140 tonne of cherries picked so far this season, but said it was slower going and their size was smaller.

He said with Chinese New Year being earlier this year on January 29, the fruit being late was a good thing.

Mt Pisa orchard owned by Southern Fruits International spans 83ha. SUPPLIED

Meanwhile, up in Tarras, on Central Otago’s biggest covered cherry orchard, Southern Fruits International was expecting to harvest a record 500 tonne crop this season.

Director Sharon Kirk said while spring and early summer in Central Otago had been cold and windy, the trees were looking strong and healthy and ready to produce their best crop yet.

“Last season, strong winds blew down protective nets from 120 out of 163 hectares just before the harvest which impacted volume.

“However, all nets were replaced ahead of the flowering and fruit set period in spring 2024 and a bumper crop is the outcome.”

Sharon said the volume was expected to increase to 2000 tonnes by 2026-2027 when most trees reached full maturity. 

The company has 83ha at Mt Pisa and a further 81ha at Lindis Peaks.

“This will be our biggest season yet as the orchards at Lindis Peaks and Mt Pisa, which span 160 hectares, are coming into their main production periods. 

“We’ve seen significant demand from premium retailers in the Middle East, Asia (particularly China and Taiwan), the United States and Canada. New markets are emerging in Saudi Arabia, India, Thailand and potentially Hong Kong,” she said.

Have a story to share?

Contact [email protected]