Cherry prices set to soar after South Australian storms

Cherries could cost Australians more in the upcoming weeks as prices soar after recent wet weather and storms in South Australia.

Cherry growers near Adelaide Hills have seen their crops wiped out during peak harvest season, with prices surging because of supply shortages.

"They were $49.99 per kilogram in the Adelaide Central Market yesterday… we're in a bit of a frenzy this week," Fruit Producers South Australia CEO Grant Piggott told 9News.com.au.

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"Growers are reporting upwards of 70 per cent losses in their orchards."

South Australia has seen its heaviest December rain in 75 years this month, with 130.8 mm delivered to Adelaide from November 24 to December 12.

The rain has significantly damaged ripe cherries, splitting the skin and creating mould.

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Despite the high cost for premium cherries, Piggott believes demand will remain strong in the lead-up to Christmas.

"It's a glamorous fruit around Christmas, everyone loves them, so I think demand will still be relatively strong but the supply will be the issue," he said.

"There are some cheaper options like the marked cherries in the market that don't look quite as good but they work just as well."

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Piggott predicts that prices will settle in the next week to around $30 per kilogram for premium cherries as the weather calms and picking operations increase.

"This week growers are back out there picking cherries… they are keen to fulfil orders and get as many cherries into the market as possible."

South Australia is the country's fourth largest cherry producer, providing approximately 2500 tonnes of cherries to Adelaide and Western Australia each year, according to Cherry Growers Australia.