A new report suggests apple imports to Australia could cut domestic growers’ incomes by almost a third.
The report, requested by the Australian apple industry, said that growers could expect their farm gate takings to have fallen by 32 per cent in three years, with imported apples accounting for almost a quarter of the market.
However, consumers would benefit with apple prices predicted to fall on average by 21 per cent.
The report also estimated a 17 per cent increase in consumption on the back of lower prices and a wider selection of varieties.
While New Zealand apples would be of the same quality as Australian apples the report stated they would be 61 per cent cheaper, while US apples would cost 28 per cent less and Chinese apples 18 per cent less.
Pipfruit New Zealand chief executive Peter Beaven, however, cast doubt on some of the report's findings, asking in what market were Chinese apples ever more expensive than New Zealand-grown fruit.
“In every market we are in we’re the highest priced apples, based on quality,” he told Business Day.
He conceded New Zealand apples would have an affect on the industry in Australia, but not to the extent indicated in the report.
“There’s always going to be an impact with more fruit entering the market, it’s basic economics, but some of these figures seem totally speculative.”
He told Fruitnet.com New Zealand apples would help grow the market in Australia.
“Their per capita consumption is amongst the lowest in the Western world. Per capita they consume about 6-7kgs per year. In New Zealand that figure is 15kgs per year and in Germany 19kgs per year,” said Mr Beaven.
“We’ve always said that with Australia if we get in there we will grow the market.”
Mr Beaven said he was unsure when New Zealand would send its first shipments to Australia, but pointed out they would likely be from the Pacific series of apples, which are not grown in Australia.
“I’d be surprised if there weren’t some shipments by the end of the year, but I’ve always said we won’t begin trading there in earnest until next year.”
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