A MAJOR player in the berry sector has started picking its first raspberries from its expanded Tasmania operation.
BerryWorld Australia's harvest in the Orielton region is underway and is the third to enter production since joint venture partner Pinata Farms established the growing arm in 2016.
BerryWorld-branded berries are produced exclusively in Australia by Pinata Farms under a joint venture with UK-based BerryWorld Group, giving Pinata exclusive access to BerryWorld's berry genetics.
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While BerryWorld-branded raspberries are produced at its Queensland farms in Wamuran (winter) and in Stanthorpe (summer), the Tasmanian production presents new ground for the business.
The farm is expected to reach full production by 2024.
Pinata Farms managing director, Gavin Scurr, said Tasmania's initial season would run until May with the next harvest resuming by November this year.
"The Tasmanian operation includes some 30 tunnels in production and a high-tech packhouse featuring the only heat-sealing machine we know of in Tasmania," Mr Scurr said.
It has provided jobs for up to 25 people, including seasonal backpackers.
The farm, north-east of Hobart, was previously used for agricultural purposes.
Redevelopment included extensive earthworks to achieve the right slope for optimal drainage, construction of polytunnels with customisations such as wind doors, connection to the South-East Irrigation Scheme to ensure a stable and reliable water source and construction and fit-out of a high-tech packhouse.
"Orielton was selected because it is warmer and drier than other Tasmanian raspberry growing regions," Mr Scurr said.
"It is also a traditionally windy area and wind impacts are mitigated by growing raspberries in polytunnels."
The first small volume of berries has been distributed to selected Woolworths stores in Tasmania.
All fruit is picked and packed on site.
"Once the volume increases, fruit will be shipped daily by ferry from Devonport to Melbourne for Woolworths' distribution," Mr Scurr said.
Over time, BerryWorld Australia will supply the east coast with raspberries, he said.
The expansion is the latest milestone for BerryWorld Australia which launched a refreshed brand presence internationally last year.
BerryWorld Australia also produces specialty strawberries in Queensland.
All BerryWorld berries are sold in heat-sealed, tamper-evident punnets, resulting in 30 per cent less packaging than traditional punnets.
Woolworths is the joint venture's exclusive retail partner.
