December 23, 2025 | ABC News |
Despite rain-delayed harvests and uneven yields across regions, Queensland lychees are delivering exceptional quality this summer, according to wholesalers and growers. Industry veteran Larry Griffin described it as the best-quality season he can remember, with fruit tasting excellent across grades. Prices are slightly lower than last Christmas, averaging around AUD 20 per kilo for larger fruit and AUD 12 for smaller sizes, partly due to softer consumer demand rather than oversupply.
Heavy rainfall during flowering disrupted pollination, reducing yields in some areas such as the Sunshine Coast and parts of Far North Queensland. While some farms reported only about 50% of expected production, others, particularly in northern regions like Mareeba, achieved strong results. Overall supply is expected to remain sufficient through Christmas before tapering off in January.
Growers attribute yield fluctuations mainly to prolonged wet weather and climate variability over recent years. Despite lower volumes, sales have improved thanks to strong fruit quality, and some growers anticipate prices may rise later in the season as supply tightens.
