Australia: Warm conditions prompt an early start to potentially juicy stonefruit season

Australia's stonefruit season has started early due to warm and dry weather conditions, leading to a high-quality crop. The season typically starts around late October to early November, but this year, many growers have already begun harvesting. The crop is reported to be large, sweet, bright in color, and firm. Asia remains a vital export market for stonefruit. Montague Farms, the country's largest stonefruit producer, is expecting a record-breaking season with an increase in production and improved facilities for cooling and packing. The company is also introducing new artificial intelligence grading technology as part of a partnership with Tomra Foods.

Australia's stonefruit season has kicked off almost a fortnight earlier than usual. Warm and dry weather conditions have prompted the early start with growers reporting a high-quality crop rolling in. Peaches, nectarines, apricots and plums size rapidly about two to four weeks ahead of harvest. There are about 400 stonefruit growers with up to 5000 permanent owners/employees and up to 15,000 casuals employed during seasonal periods. Summerfruit Australia chief executive officer Trevor Ranford said very high-quality fruit was being reported right across the country. "Australia's summerfruit season is experiencing a terrific start, with harvest of early season peaches, nectarines, apricots and plums now in full swing," Mr Ranford said. "The season typically starts around late October to early November but many growers had already begun harvesting fruit several weeks ago. "This is largely due to favourable weather conditions, starting with a hot and dry spring and summer-like ...