Growth plans blossom for Sorell fruit venture

PLANS are afoot to triple the size of the Sorell Fruit Farm and add a hotel and restaurant.

fruit farm

PLANS are afoot to triple the size of the Sorell Fruit Farm and add a hotel and restaurant, following its recent sale.

The tourism venture and working fruit farm has been sold to Chinese businessman Yongyi Tao for an undisclosed price. Bob Hardy, who started the venture almost 30 years ago from a bare paddock, remains as an orchard adviser.

Mr Tao said he had been interested for a few years in the farm, which grows 20 different fruits that visitors pick themselves.

“After President Xi visited, I considered this would lead to a lot of Chinese people and Asian people visiting Tasmania,” he said.

Mr Tao said the experience of picking your own fruit was different to anything in Shanghai where he was from.

“Tasmania is a pure land completely different from China where everyone is busy — work, work, work. Here you can feel peace.”

Mr Tao said international visitors came to the state throughout the year. The farm has 40,000 visitors a year, about 25,000 from overseas, primarily Asia.

“In the winter the farm is closed for the season but with a restaurant and hotel we can open all year round.”

Mr Tao bought a house in Tasmania 10 years ago.

“When I retire I look forward to living more in Tasmania and make more investment in Tasmania.”

This month is the Cherry Blossom Festival and there is free entry to the farm until October 10 from 10am to 4pm.