NZ growers anticipate record export earnings
A high quality crop and struggling competition could lead to export earnings of around NZ$500m
New Zealand apple growers are set to be "blessed" this year, according to Pipfruit NZ CEO Peter Beaven, with export earnings expected to hit a record NZ$500m, according to stuff.co.nz.
The quality of fruit in the Hawke's bay crop, and in other regions such as Nelson, coupled with the relatively poor crops in competing Southern Hemisphere countries had led to the boom, Mr Beaven said.
Shipments to Europe had been well received with some retailers switching straight from Northern Hemisphere fruit to New Zealand apples, he noted, while "up to 10 per cent" of Chilean fruit was being rejected.
New Zealand's total apple crop is expected to comfortably top the previous export record of NZ$450m, Mr Beaven said, with the fruit proving to be crunchy, sweet, juicy and keeping well.
