19 Oct 2020

Watermelon lovers warned of shortage as imports halted

From Checkpoint, 5:31 pm on 19 October 2020

A warning for watermelon lovers - a shortage is imminent, with all import channels for the fruit currently closed due to biosecurity concerns.

Imports from Tonga were halted last week after live fruit fly larvae were detected on a consignment of watermelons.

The suspension is expected to have a devastating impact on growers in Tonga and could mean the fruit won't be available here until the local harvest starts in late December.

Maja Burry reports.