Tasmania’s apple harvest is underway, with bumper crops expected and a new apple variety

Excellent growing conditions have provided a promising start to the state’s annual apple harvest – and there’s a new variety to try.

The apple harvest is underway in Tasmania, where orchardists say excellent growing conditions have led to a promising start to the season.

But despite the bumper crop, soaring petrol prices and shipping costs have significantly strained business for Huon Valley apple orchard, R&R Smith.

Orchard manager Scott Price said Tasmanian farmers are left competing with mainland growers who don’t have extra freight costs to contend with.

“We choose to live where we live, and we live in a magnificent place. But with that comes the cost of getting our fruit across the Bass Strait, which is one of the most expensive strips of water in the world,” Mr Price said.

“And that really does put us at a disadvantage when the margins are very tight. ”

Shelbee Murray staff member with new season royal gala apples at Merediths Orchard shop in Margate. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Mr Price said despite the disadvantage, Tasmanian apple orchards were taking it in their stride.

“We just have to become smarter growers,” he said.

“Believe me, apples will still be growing in Tasmania in 100 years’ time, but who’s growing them will definitely change.

“People will have to be very smart in how they grow apples to reduce costs.”

In 2023, R&R Smith picked their first harvest of ‘Southern Bliss’ as a way to differentiate themselves in a competitive market.

Mr Price described the variety as an “extremely juicy and crispy” apple that stores well.

“Southern Bliss is just one of many new varieties appearing in the Australian markets,” he said.

“So the variety has got to be able to stand up for itself – and it does.

“It has good eating ability and looks like a million dollars. Last year, we had just a small trial sample, which was very well received.”

A new Tasmanian apple variety "Southern Bliss" has hit the markets.

Fruit Growers Tasmania chief executive Peter Cornish said as apple markets have changed, Tasmanian growers have demonstrated great resilience by adapting and innovating to ensure the apple industry in Tasmania continues to advance.

“Generations of orchardists have been commercially growing apples across Tasmania for over 160 years, with our apples being highly

regarded around the world,” Mr Cornish said.

“No wonder we were once known as the Apple Isle!”

Mr Cornish said a number of Tasmanian growers had also made a significant impression within the cider and agritourism industries.

“The 2023 Australian Cider Awards saw Tasmanian cider receive four trophies and seven Best in Class awards, this is a notable achievement for the industry and something worth celebrating,” he said.

“The Tasmanian producers to receive the awards were Plenty Cider, Simple Cider, Brady’s Lookout Cider, Frank’s Cider, PRAH, and Willie Smith’s.”

Originally published as Tasmania’s apple harvest is underway, with bumper crops expected and a new apple variety