OUR STORY >
For over 30 years the Cotsaris family have tended cherry orchards in Renmark, South Australia and today, an innovative orchardist, Leon will tell you that “initially this was not the case” and “others thought I had gone nuts”.
The first box of cherries in 1997 marked the start of Cotsaris Cherry orchards as we know it today, a thriving family-owned farm.
“This was our very first strong crop, I remember taking a look at the fruit packed in the boxes, and it was then I was convinced that cherries were a good possibility for our family.”
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In 1988, Leon Cotsaris along with wife Maria purchased the property after having previously been in partnership with his brothers on another nearby property, originally owned by his father.
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Branching out on his own, the property was originally a hobby farm developed planting citrus and wine grapes. As time went on and competition increased, Leon started researching alternative crops to develop.
Not commonly known as a climate for growing cherries, pioneer-cherry grower, Leon Cotsaris, went against the odds and by 1993 the first cherry trees were planted, embarking on his quest to successfully grow cherries in the warmer, sunny climate of Renmark.
“I did not want to put all my eggs in one basket so, I decided to have a go.”
The former high school teacher draws his inspiration to grow cherries from reading an article on alternative crops for the Riverland and the idea of cherries “just clicked with me.” There was a study that showed to have the potential for cherries and where they compared the climate in the Riverland to a region in California, suggesting that there could be a possibility to grow cherries.
One of the reasons that Riverland cherries are so special is the conditions in which they grow. Renowned for growing best in cool-climates like Adelaide Hills, Riverland plains offer an alternative approach where fruit comes early and available from mid-October to early December.
Being one of the first producers to market in Australia for the season has opened up many opportunities to give back. Cotsaris Cherries continues to provide “first box” cherries for charity auctions across Australia. In 2017, Cotsaris Cherries were auctioned off for a record-breaking $41,000 at the Annual Sydney Cherry Auction.
Carrying on the family business with his wife Maria and children, this now multi-generational cherry orchard has expanded since its interception, and today, forms to be one of Australia’s first-to-market cherry producers.
As the demand for cherries increases, and more export markets open, the family decided in 2016 to expand its 17,000 established tree plantings with an additional 12,000 trees, with a longer-term strategy to expand further in years to come.
A bright future ahead for this family-business, with a continual passion for innovation, regular travel around the world in search of the latest in techniques, varieties and best-practice ensure Cotsaris Cherries maintain world-class quality.
Cotsaris Cherries are available in abundant supply from October through to mid-December. The family is committed to bringing the freshest, most delicious cherries right through the season. Cherries are picked and cooled to 4 Deg C. within one hour of harvest and packed from the farm’s very own packing facility in Renmark.
“I just wanted to try something different, I just didn't want to be like everybody else and follow what other people were doing because as it turned out wine-grapes at the time were fantastic, but then everyone started growing grapes, and so what happens, prices dropped as a result, and people were struggling."
