Costa Group’s Peter McPherson has been named president of Berries Australia, a new peak industry association representing the country's berry category.
McPherson was elected at the association's inaugural meeting in Coffs Harbour earlier this month.
Berries Australia isan overarching joint venture between the Australian Blueberry Growers’ Association, Raspberries and Blackberries Australia, and Strawberries Australia. McPherson said the association would represent more than 700 grower members nationally.
The body’s key objectives include opening and expanding domestic and global markets for Australian berries, continued innovation and development of skills to the advantage of all growers, promoting sustainable farming practices, and ethical sourcing and engagement of labour.
Berries are grown in New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, Queensland, South Australia, and Western Australia, enabling year-round production and supply to consumers.
In total, Australia’s annual output of 109,000 tonnes of berries represents a gross return of A$1.05bn.
