Lychees’ Production in Australia (2019)

Overview

The lychee is a subtropical fruit, which is oval and the size of a walnut. In fact, lychees are part of the berry kingdom and grown on tropical, evergreen trees. Moreover, after a few months of growth, these individual flowers transform into bunches of fruit. Australia is a nation that harbours the most extended production season in the world. This season begins in October and lasts up to late March. Additionally, these fruits are produced majorly in Queensland.

Statistics

As of June 2019:

1. Two thousand seven hundred thirty-three tonnes of this fruit were produced and valued at $34.4 million.
2. 12% of Australian households purchased lychees while they were on their grocery shopping trip. Hence, this amounts to an average of 345 grams per trip.
3. The wholesale value of the fresh supply of this fruit was recorded at $33.0 million. Out of this amount, $29.6 million was reserved for retail, and $3.4 million went into food service.
4. The supply per capita was estimated at 89 grams based on the volume that was supplied.

Production

1. The production value of these fruits grew from 2,419 tonnes in 2017 to 2,733 tonnes in 2019.
2. The fresh export volume was recorded at 466 tonnes in 2018, and this figure increased in 2019 to 484 tonnes.
3. The import values are negligible as Australia does not draw in a significant amount of this fruit.

Major Lychee Production Areas

Predominantly, these fruits are grown in Queensland. Some of the other growing areas include Atherton, Bundaberg, Rockhampton and the Sunshine Coast in Queensland.

Health Benefits of Lychees

Rich in vitamin C, lychee also has more than 100% of the daily requirement of ascorbic acid (ABA) in a single serving which works exceptionally well for boosting the immunity. Lychee is loaded with a great number of fibres. These fibres regulate the bowel movement by ensuring its smooth passage through the digestive tract. It also stimulates gastric and digestive juices promoting efficient nutrient absorption.

2018/19 Lychee Production by State

Article by: Hari Yellina (Orchard Tech)