Ardrossan Orchards in Batlow, New South Wales, expected a solid organic blackberry season despite difficult weather. Marketing manager Hannah Cathels said fruit supply was due to peak in February and that Australian demand, particularly for organic berries, was generally running ahead of supply.
Blackberries add diversity to an established orchard business
The Cathels family business began planting blackberries in 2016 after assessing the local climate, available land and the resources needed to establish the crop. The 2022 season was forecast to produce about 20 tonnes.
Distribution through Woolworths under the Macro Organic brand gave the fruit broad retail reach, supplemented by independent retailers in New South Wales. The business expected its market footprint to grow as production volume increased.
Orchard investment extends beyond one crop
N&A Group also grows conventional and organic apples across four Batlow properties and operates cool storage. The article describes continuing investment in orchard monitoring, picking technology and new apple and stone-fruit varieties.
The profile is a commercial grower’s account, not a market-wide demand study. It nevertheless shows how crop diversification, reliable distribution and steady expansion of supply can work together when a business enters a growing premium category.
Read the original report: HortiDaily.