Australia's cherry exports rose 139% year-on-year to 2,890 metric tons (MT) in the five months to February 2013, according to a recent report prepared by Fresh Intelligence Consulting.

The report, commissioned by Horticulture Australia Limited (HAL) and Cherry Growers Australia (CGA), found that while the average return per kilogram was down 16%, the total value of cherry shipments doubled to AUD$31.51 million.

The report said Hong Kong and Singapore were the main drivers along with Taiwan, with these three markets accounting for 73% of the exported volume.

The inaugural shipments direct to mainland China were labeled as "highly significant" at 66MT, while the Japanese and U.K. markets grew "substantially" off low bases.

Tasmania notched the biggest value rise at 140% accounting for more than half the volume, but New South Wales and South Australia's values were up significantly at 108% and 163% respectively; the latter however only makes up a small fraction of the total while New South Wales now represents 29% of the export crop.

Victoria's exports grew by 23% and it now accounts for 18% of Australia's cherry shipments.

The report said Taiwan was Tasmania's largest destination, while Hong Kong was the leading buyer of New South Wales and Victorian cherries, as well as Australian cherries overall.

Hong Kong's purchases rose 252%  in volume while Singapore's jumped 221%. Other key growth markets included Malaysia (144%) and the United Arab Emirates (230%).

CGA CEO Simon Boughey said while the tonnage was up, prices were a concern.

"We also need to ensure we continue to push for market access back into Thailand and to get access into China from mainland states. We are working with DAFF (Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry) and those countries for the 2013-14 season," he told www.freshfruitportal.com.

"We also need to look to increasing exports to all existing markets and new markets using a range of air freight options."

www.freshfruitportal.com