Exhibiting at Asia Fruit Logistica 2025

Koala Cherries Pty Ltd is a premium cherry grower, packer, and exporter based in Yarck, Victoria, Australia. With deep roots in Australian horticulture, the company operates as a vertically integrated enterprise that controls every step of the supply chain—from orchard to international markets. It is widely recognized for delivering some of Australia’s finest cherries to both domestic and global consumers.

Company History and Background

Founded in the 1940s by the Dalbosco family, Koala Cherries has evolved from a small family-run farm into one of Australia's leading cherry producers. The company relocated to Yarck in 2003 to expand its growing and packing operations, where it currently manages a state-of-the-art facility built to meet stringent export requirements and large-scale distribution.

Core Business Operations

Koala Cherries manages over 250 hectares of cherry orchards across Victoria and New South Wales. It employs a vertically integrated model covering:

• Orchard management
• Harvesting and sorting
• Cold chain logistics
• Domestic and international sales
• Direct-to-consumer e-commerce

This integration ensures full control over quality, traceability, and delivery timelines, which is critical for highly perishable premium cherries.

Product Portfolio

The company's main product is fresh cherries, which are marketed through several channels:

• Wholesale export packaging
• Domestic supermarket chains
• Corporate gift boxes
• Online direct-to-home delivery
• Seasonal shed-door sales in Yarck

Koala Cherries grows over 12 different cherry varieties, including:

• Bing
• Lapins
• Stella
• Regina
• Simone
• Van
• Ron's Seedling
• Sweet Georgia

Each variety is carefully selected and harvested based on taste profile, firmness, size, and optimal shipping durability.

Specialisation and Unique Selling Proposition (USP)

Koala Cherries’ USP lies in its precision-focused cultivation and export-ready infrastructure:

• State-of-the-art hydro-cooling and sorting equipment for post-harvest freshness
• Rapid cold chain logistics to reduce temperature variation during transit
• Laser sorting technologies to optimize quality control
• E-commerce and home delivery for retail and gift market expansion

Their orchards are located in climate zones that offer ideal growing conditions, allowing them to deliver high sugar-content cherries with longer shelf life and superior flavor.

Financials

While Koala Cherries is a privately held company and does not publicly disclose its financials, industry sources and trade data indicate:

• Annual revenue estimates (2023): AUD $15–20 million
• Seasonal employment: Up to 500 workers during peak harvest
• Export volume: Approximately 1,000+ tonnes of cherries annually

The company has invested significantly in packhouse automation and supply chain infrastructure, which has increased its output efficiency by over 40% in the past five years.

Export and Shipment Records

Koala Cherries exports to over 12 countries, including:

• China
• Vietnam
• Singapore
• Indonesia
• Hong Kong
• United Arab Emirates
• Thailand
• Malaysia

According to shipment data from ImportYeti and Horticulture Innovation Australia, Koala Cherries has shipped over 2,800 international consignments between 2020 and 2024. Their cherries are particularly favored in East Asian markets, where presentation, freshness, and sweetness are critical.

They are certified under the China Approved Export Program, allowing direct cherry exports to mainland China.

Target Market

The company services multiple segments:

• International fruit distributors and wholesalers
• Premium grocery retailers in Asia and Australia
• Direct retail customers through online gift box orders
• Corporate clients for seasonal gift programs
• Local consumers at their Yarck shed-door facility

Their cherry gift boxes have become particularly popular in Asian markets during Lunar New Year and other festive seasons.

Capabilities and Infrastructure

Koala Cherries’ operational facilities include:

• High-capacity packing shed with optical grading and defect sorting
• Hydro-coolers and forced-air cooling rooms for rapid temperature control
• Real-time traceability systems integrated into packing lines
• Custom carton printing and packaging division
• On-site agronomy and orchard health monitoring

The company has recently expanded its digital footprint to support online ordering, tracking, and contactless delivery options across Australia.

Certifications and Compliance

Koala Cherries adheres to the highest industry standards, including:

• HACCP certification
• Freshcare Food Safety and Quality certification
• China Approved Export Accreditation
• Export registered packhouse under DAFF
• Member of Cherry Growers Australia

These certifications allow them to meet both domestic and international food safety regulations and gain preferential access to high-barrier markets.

Customer Testimonials and Feedback

While the company does not publicly publish customer testimonials, feedback from retail partners and social media reviews highlight:

• “Some of the best cherries I’ve ever had—sweet, firm, and delivered fresh.”
• “Their gift boxes are always a hit during the holiday season.”
• “High quality and reliable delivery every year.”

Their direct-to-consumer operations receive praise for efficient packaging, timely arrival, and freshness retention.

Achievements and Recognitions

• Exhibitor at Asia Fruit Logistica representing premium Australian produce
• Regular contributor to Cherry Growers Australia market access negotiations
• Selected supplier for Woolworths and premium Asian retailers
• Featured in Victorian Country Hour for sustainable orchard management
• Recognized for employing eco-sensitive farming practices, including bee pollination management and minimal pesticide use

Koala Cherries continues to grow as one of Australia's leading premium cherry exporters by combining family-run values with modern agri-tech, ensuring global customers receive cherries that reflect the best of Australian horticulture.