Cherry grower tipped to expand

A Tasmanian cherry company is set to expand following recent success exporting its product to Japan.

 

Reid Fruits in the Derwent Valley has shipped over 17 tonnes of cherries to Japan this season, which are selling for $50 a kilo. It follows the relaxing of Japanese export laws, which means the fruit no longer has to be fumigated.

 

The owner of the farm, Tim Reid, says orders are now coming thick and fast and the farm will need to expand from 300 to 500 employees.

 

"The Japanese grow cherries during June, July and we're exporting Cherries to Japan when they're out of season," Mr Reid said.

 

"The Japanese cherry market in June July is estimated at about 300-million dollars so we think there is a big opportunity there to develop the market," he said.