TikTokkers are live streaming and selling Tasmanian cherries to customers across Asia, enthusiastically offering deals in the same style as old-style television shopping.
Buyers can communicate directly with the sellers in real-time, ask questions and get immediate answers.
“The person I work with is a TikTokker,” Chinese importer Jack Wang said.
“She can sell more than 1,000 boxes of cherries in less than one hour.”
Livestream TikTok sales lets buyers ask questions about the produce in real time. (ABC News)
Most TikTokkers guarantee delivery of fresh cherries from the Tasmanian orchard to the buyer’s door.
“Maybe 10 years ago, we sold cherries in supermarkets. Now … TikTok is more popular, especially among young people,” Mr Wang said.
“It’s very easy; they don’t have to go outside to shop.”
Jack Wang has moved to Tasmania’s Huon Valley temporarily to work with Lucaston Park Orchards owner Matt Griggs.
TikTokkers after big, shiny, red cherries
Mr Wang is temporarily working from Tasmania’s Huon Valley, where he keeps a close eye on what is being picked.
He can see it picked and packed and then ensure the fruit is flown quickly to mainland China, where couriers deliver directly to the customer’s door.
Red cherries are prized by overseas buyers for their auspicious colour. (ABC News: Luke Bowden)
“We have a highly efficient express delivery company in China,” he said.
“Typically, we can send and receive packages within 48 hours.”
Jack Wang shows cherries being sold on TikTok in China. (ABC News: Luke Bowden)
A fresh partnership blossoms
Lucaston Park Orchards owner Matt Griggs is hosting Mr Wang at his Huon Valley orchards.
“We’re seeing these platforms are very effective, and I’ve been there when they are making these sales.
“It captures a lot of attention and creates excitement around Tasmanian cherries.”
Jack Wang (left) and Matthew Griggs say about 70 tonnes of Tasmanian cherries are picked and shipped to China annually. (ABC News: Luke Bowden)
For Lucaston Park Orchards, TikTok selling is a growing part of their sales.
Mr Griggs said he can “land fruit in Guangzhou and they can have it anywhere in China within the next day, within the next, you know, 12 hours.
“That’s just amazing.”
Asian customers are prepared to pay top dollar for freshness and the best large, dark-red cherries.
Jack Wang won’t spill the beans on how much his TikTokkers pay for Tassie cherries.
He would say, “they’re a good price. No other cherry can compete”.
“They’re the best flavour in the world!”
Tassie’s dark red cherries are considered by many to be the best in the world (ABC News: Mitchell Woolnough)
