Blackcurrant

New Zealand blackcurrant growers could see prices for their fruit double this year on the back of a disastrous growing season in Europe.

Agronomist Jim Grierson, who heads the International Blackcurrant Association, told Radio New Zealand unfavourable weather conditions in Europe could halve production in the region and lead to a global shortage.

This could see prices double for New Zealand growers, who export around 95 per cent of their fruit, he said.

Prices for New Zealand-grown fruit are expected to double to around NZ$2 per kg (US$1.67). Harvesting will begin in late December.