Australian cherry growers are set to gain valuable, first-hand experience of world-leading production, postharvest and export systems through a study tour to Chile, the world’s largest southern hemisphere cherry producer.

The Hort Innovation funded project, delivered by Cherry Growers Australia, will see a group of Australian cherry growers travel to key production regions in Chile in March 2027, participating in orchard and packhouse visits, research briefings and export workshops focused on quality, productivity and market access.

Chile has driven much of the global growth in cherry exports over the past decade, particularly into Asian markets, and now produces volumes far exceeding those of Australia. Understanding how Chilean growers manage scale, quality and logistics will help Australian growers refine their own systems and remain competitive as global market dynamics shift.

Brett Fifield, CEO of Hort Innovation, said investing in global knowledge exchange will strengthen the cherry industry. “This study tour will give Australian cherry growers practical, real‑world insights from a global leader. By learning directly from Chile’s experience, growers can identify opportunities to lift productivity, strengthen export readiness and make informed decisions that support long‑term profitability.’”

Penny Measham, CEO of Cherry Growers of Australia, said learnings from the tour will be captured, evaluated and shared widely with the Australian cherry industry. “Chile’s rapid growth in cherry exports has reshaped global markets. This tour allows Australian growers to see what’s working on the ground, understand the challenges of large‑scale production, and bring back ideas that can be adapted to Australian conditions.’”

The study tour will include a mini‑research symposium, export workshops, and site visits across Santiago and nearby production regions. Participants will have the opportunity to engage with the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile and Frutas de Chile, and will explore innovative orchard systems, varietal evaluation, protected cropping, and postharvest technologies that support long‑distance sea freight and extended shelf life.

Interested in joining the tour?

Growers seeking to participate in the study tour should apply via the Cherry Growers Australia website here. Applications close on Friday 28 August.

This project (CY25004) is funded by Hort Innovation, using the cherry research and development levy and contributions from the Australian Government.