Tasmanian native pepper, Tasmannia lanceolata, is predominantly found in the high-rainfall regions of south-east Australia. In 2019-2020, annual production was estimated at 8.8 tonnes of dry berries and two tonnes of dry leaf, with prices ranging from $30-50/kg for fresh berries and $100-130/kg for air-dried berries. In 2014, it was estimated 20% of the leaf produced and 60% of the pepper berries were exported. There is a substantial and growing market for Tasmanian native pepper both domestically and internationally that would benefit from the expansion of supply chains and greater consistency of supply.
New and emerging industries in their infancy often lack the public awareness and resources to assist with industry growth. This compact business case provides a concise overview of the Tasmanian native pepper industry. It provides a resource that can be used to drive awareness and engage with potential investors regarding opportunities to assist industry growth.
The compact business case is the result of stakeholder consultation across the Tasmanian native pepper industry and pulls together the industry’s status, market opportunities, challenges, competition, governance and economics in one resource for the industry.