Leading Australian fresh produce business Montague is gearing up for a large stone fruit crop harvest this season, largely due to the good news of an expected warmer summer.

And with more than 340,960 trees across their grower networks in Stanthorpe, Swan Hill, Cobram, Katunga and Shepparton, Donnybrook and Perth Hills, chief innovation officer Rowan Little said over 6,600,950 kilograms of plums, peaches and nectarines are forecasted to be packed this year.

“The 2022-23 summer proved to be challenging for many growers due to the excessive amount of 
rain fall in some regions and hail. The wetter growing conditions resulted in a lower crop however we are working hard with our growers to prepare for a strong harvest with a larger crop,” Mr Little said.

Senior marketing manager Angela Bracken said the stone fruit harvest begins in late October and runs through to March.

“The entire business is embracing this season with renewed enthusiasm, following a low yield crop last summer.

“The team have been exhausting all avenues to improve bird management and water use in the orchard and to reduce waste since last summer. The business is sustainability-focused and part of that will include consumer education on storage and different uses for stone fruit this season. Australia has to reduce food waste,” Ms Bracken said.

Montague stone fruit is all hand-picked and grown to strict specifications to ensure the fruit meets the brand standards and the consumer can enjoy consistent, quality produce.

CROC EGGS plums are available only at Woolworths, with MONTAGUE Tree plums available in Coles and independent green grocers from November through to March

Donut peaches will be available at Costco from January.

Montague is one of Australia’s leading fresh produce businesses. Founded by William (Bill) Montague (OAM) in 1948, activities include fruit production and packing, food sales and marketing, and the provision of storage and logistics services. The Montague team and their network of national and global horticulture partners are dedicated to developing innovation in the industry and educating consumers about the world of fresh produce.