A new report by consulting firm Coriolis Research states that New Zealand fresh fruit exports have the potential to double or even triple within the coming decade, according to a report by NZ Farmer.
Coriolis’ research group director Tim Morris pointed to the country’s success in the apple industry as evidence for the firm’s conclusion.
'We've had huge success in apples - one in five apples grown on this planet, the genetics came from New Zealand,” he told NZ Farmer. “It's an unsung success story.'
The report identifies apples and kiwifruit and New Zealand’s major exports but named avocados, cherries and blueberries as markets that are poised to expand. Avocados had the most positive outlook given their unrestricted access to neighbouring Australia.
Beyond specific products, it also suggests five potential areas for growth in the fresh fruit sector, which include Asia, new varieties and value-added products.
However, the report stated that recognising this potential success was dependent on New Zealand farmers staying abreast of consumer preferences, building its brand and working to renegotiate tariffs and industry structures.
Morris identified the apple industry as one that would 'clearly benefit' if it brought back the most effective features of its previous single-desk model and improved collaboration, according to NZ Farmer.
The report on the fresh fruit industry by Coriolis is part of a series for the Food & Beverage Information Project, a comprehensive analysis of New Zealand's food industry launched by the state government.
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