New Zealand's apple and pear exports are set to fall in the short-term, as a larger number of growers in the country move towards newer varieties and away from traditional production.
According to a market situation and outlook report by the country's ministry of agriculture and forestry, exports of Braeburn and Royal Gala apples are expected to drop from 75 per cent to 64 per cent of exports as the industry turns to newer, more marketable varieties including Jazz, Cripps Pink and Tentalion, Radio New Zealand reported.
Overall apple and pear production is expected to increase in 2009 compared with last year, the ministry report said.
Meanwhile, the outlook forecast suggested that the value of vegetable exports will rise steadily beyond 2010, a result of a depreciated exchange rate, but warned that prices are unlikely to increase until consumer confidence, which has fallen during the economic crisis, is restored.
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