The uncertainty of Europe's economic future is making it difficult for New Zealand's apples and pear industry to plan ahead for this coming season.
According to exporters in the country, apple and pear sales by volume seem to be continuing 'surprisingly well', but the question being asked is: at what price?
'It's hard to make sense of the markets at the moment,' said Peter Beaven, chief executive of industry association Pipfruit New Zealand.
Beaven explained that movement of Northern Hemisphere Royal Gala and Braeburn had been lower than hoped, but Jazz and Pink Lady sales seem relatively strong.
John McCliskie of NZ grower-exporter Heartland Fruit said the industry was playing it particularly safe and avoiding any unnecessary risks.
'I think most of the industry is being very cautious as to demand,' he stated. 'We're making jolly sure every box has a home before it leaves New Zealand.'
Fluctuations in the exchange rate were not calming the industry's nerves either.
The euro-NZ dollar exchange rate has dipped slightly towards the end of 2011, but any relief exporters have found there is unsure.
'The New Zealand dollar has depreciated 5 to 10 per cent depending on which day you measure it. That's good, but all you're doing is going from being absolutely dead to being on oxygen,' concluded McCliskie. 'We're up against the euro and nobody can forecast where Europe will go.
Despite the troubles, Beaven said the season is not without hope. 'I'm not gloomy about next season. It's far too early to feel gloomy.'
This article appears in Trade New Zealand 2012, an annual supplement available free to subscribers as part of the January 2012 issue of Eurofruit.
For details of how to subscribe, visit: fruitnet.com/subscribe
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