Berries had the highest production value of any Australian fruit in 2023/24
Industry body Berries Australia has celebrated new data that revealed berries had the highest production value of any Australian fruit in 2023/24 (12 months to 30 June 2024).
The figures released today as part of Hort Innovation’s Australian Horticulture Statistics Handbook show that over the past decade, berry production values have steadily increased from A$567mn in 2013 to A$1.3bn in 2024.
Berries Australia chair Anthony Poiner said the new figures were very pleasing and arrived just in time for the bi-annual BerryQuest conference to be held in Hobart next week.
“Berries Australia is proud to be hosting BerryQuest International which will showcase the latest and greatest in berry production and marketing, with speakers from as far afield as Europe,” Poiner said.
“We are thrilled that Federal agriculture minister Julie Collins will be launching the conference which has more than 500 registered delegates.”
“Berries Australia has been operating since 2018 as a joint venture between the blueberry, strawberry and rubus (raspberries and blackberry) industries. The figures released today along with the response to the conference show the value of working together and taking a collective approach.”
Brett Fifield, chief executive of Hort Innovation said the result continues a positive streak for Australian berry growers.
“The industry, through Berries Australia, has worked closely with Hort Innovation to invest in world-class R&D that is building a bright future for growers and some tasty berries for consumers, here and overseas,” said Fifield.
According to Poiner, the industry still faces challenges with production volumes also reaching record highs for all berries, collectively rising by 26 per cent, which is slightly higher than the 21 per cent increase in value.
“The disparity between production volume and value highlights the importance of new export opportunities for the sector and we are working closely with Hort Innovation and the Australian government to open new markets for the industry,” Poiner said.
“BerryQuest promises to be a fantastic event for berry growers and our wider industry stakeholders and we look forward to welcoming everyone.
“In addition to the conference program, we are proud to announce our new awards recognising the best and brightest in the berry industry. These will be announced throughout the conference.”
More detail on each of the award finalists and the event can be found on the BerryQuest website.
Produce Plus is an official media partner of BerryQuest.
