Our story

Koala Cherries is family owned and operated. We stand on the pillars laid by generations before us.

Simon Rouget and Michael Rouget,

Simon and Michael both have a lifetime of horticultural knowledge and a passion for cherries. Simon is responsible for the development and management of Koala’s orchards. His passion for quality, sustainable fruit growing has him leading the way in researching and implementing the most effective Soft Farming Practices and Integrated Pest Management systems. Michael’s experience on the farm and Melbourne wholesale market has given him a detailed understanding of fruit marketing and business management. He is now Managing Director and Marketing Sales Manager of Koala Cherries.

Koala Cherries is based in Yarck, two hours north east of Melbourne. Today, cousins Michael and Simon Rouget own and operate this third generation cherry growing, packing and marketing business but they stand on the pillars laid by generations before them.

In 1944 Reginald and Mary Rouget established a cherry, berry and stone fruit orchard at Wandin in the Yarra Valley. A few years after, their sons, John, Max and Brian, left school early to work on the farm. At this time the company was called ‘R.J. Rouget and Sons’. A true family business where everyone had a role.

In the late 1980s, the Rouget’s sought a drier, more consistent climate for their cherries. They searched north across the Great Dividing Range, where the climate was dry. In 1988 they purchased a farm in the north central Victorian town of Yarck. The farm is surrounded by native bushland, home to many koalas – Koala Cherries was born. Other farms followed and in 2000, a major relocation of the business began, culminating in the relocation of the packing shed to Yarck.

Koala Cherries is family owned and operated. We stand on the pillars laid by generations before us.

Simon Rouget and Michael Rouget,

"if only dad were still around to see where cherry growing is today... he'd be amazed"