New Zealand’s apple industry is poised for record-breaking run. Exports volumes from the Oceanic nation over the 2015 season are already the biggest in the sector’s history, with global sales programmes yet to conclude.
Garth Cowie, chief executive of Napier Port, told the New Zealand Herald that shipment volumes from the key Bay of Plenty production hub had leapt to 20,000 TEUs this year, eclipsing the previous record of 18,500 TEUs.
In pleasing news for the industry, the surge in exports shows no signs of slowing down. Early estimates point to 5 per cent increase in crop volume next season, while the 2017 harvest could as much as 19 per cent up on 2015.
“We are looking at significant and sustainable growth with the industry investment in new plantings coming into production,' Pipfruit New Zealand chief executive Alan Pollard told the New Zealand Herald. 'New Zealand commands a premium over most other producers due to the quality freshness and taste of our fruit.'
Pollard said Asia continues to be an increasing focus for the industry, with up to 40 per cent of the national crop destined for the Far East this season. Exports to China will be around 20,000 tonnes alone.
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