The forecast of a lighter and later crop has failed to diminish the hopes of the New Zealand pipfruit industry heading into the 2015 season.
A report released by peak body Pipfruit New Zealand indicated the country’s total apple and pear production would be around 551,102 tonnes this year, down 6 per cent on 2014.
Hail storms that swept across the country during late Spring took their toll on crops in key growing regions such as Hawkes Bay, Nelson and Central Otago, however, a warm start to summer seems to have been a saviour for the industry, with fruit quality now shaping up well.
“Every growing region has had an exceptionally warm mid-summer, which has meant apples have developed a well-rounded sweetness, fresh crispness and lovely vibrant colour,” said Pipfruit NZ business development manager Gary Jones. “Continual monitoring and grooming of the crop has resulted in tasty, crunchy, ready-to-eat fruit.”
The total export crop is estimated at 297,000 tonnes, down from 308,000 tonnes in 2014. Bruce Beaton, Turners & Growers’ (T&G) general manager of New Zealand pipfruit, said the season was running up to 10 days late, although he didn’t envisage this to cause a significant disruption to the global trade.
“The US and Europe have both had big crops, so there is still going to be fruit around when we enter the market,” Beaton told Asiafruit at Fruit Logistica in Berlin last week. “In terms of fruit quality, our New Zealand crops are looking excellent, particularly our Royal Gala, so I’m sure there will be plenty of demand when we begin shipping.”
Like the majority of the New Zealand industry, Beaton said T&G would continue to build it presence in Asia and the Middle East, while continuing to maintain a solid supply stream into Europe.
China looms as a cornerstone of the Asian expansion, although developing a share of the market has not been without its challenges. New Zealand’s Ministry of Primary Industries voluntary suspended apple exports to the People’s Republic in September 2013, after rot was found in a number of consignments. With shipments cleared to resume in time for the beginning of the 2014 season, both growers and exporters now seem intent on doing everything in their power to retain market access.
“China has shown that they have a zero tolerance for black spot so we are doing a lot of work in the field and packing sheds to prevent an outbreak,” Beaton said. ”It is a very good market, with more than enough customers for the New Zealand industry to supply.”
Jones said New Zealand’s commitment to food safety and it’s reputation as a high-quality producer continued to be key selling point. “This year, there has also been a listeria outbreak in apples distributed by a US grower, that has resulted in safety concerns amongst many importers, particularly in Asia,” said Jones. “With New Zealand commanding the most stringent food safety system in the world and traceability right down to blocks of trees within orchards, we’re expecting interest in our apples to be even higher than usual.”
