Growers report lower export packouts despite early-season predictions for growth
Unfavourable weather condition in Central Otago has dashed hopes of the region meeting the predicted export volumes, according to a report from Rural Life.
A Ministry for Primary Industries’ situation and outlook report released in December last year had forecasted a lift in cherry export revenue of 5 per cent to NZ$130mn this season.
It said effective winter chilling and successful pollination periods would support the crop and noted the later timing of the 2026 Lunar New Year, on February 17, would position New Zealand exporters well to meet peak demand. This would mostly benefit late harvest varieties and sub-regions in Central Otago.
The forecast also came in light of a positive 2025 season that saw cherry export revenue increase 35 per cent to NZ$124mn, driven by a large harvest that increased export volumes by 34 per cent to 5,100 tonnes.
Central Otago Fruit Growers Association member and Clyde Orchards manager, Kris Robb, told Rural Life that while the season had started well, since the release of the report the weather had “played havoc”.
“The potential crop was there early in the season but there has been damage through wind and rain and it has affected export packouts,” he said.
Robb told the publication the export volume was “well down” when compared to the same time last season.
“I can’t see a drastic increase in those figures going forward.”
He added that while the timing of Lunar New Year was beneficial, New Zealand cherry growers would not be able to supply enough of the premium product to meet peak demand.
“Unfortunately, the weather gods haven’t worked in our favour.”
