New Zealand’s apple season kicks off next month, and the country’s pipfruit industry is forecasting the crop will be just what it needs this year; good quality and average volumes.
The crop has had a dream run with the weather since New Zealand’s cold, wet winter. A dry spring and summer have lowered disease pressures, and according to some growers even wind levels have been kinder than normal.
While the official season forecast from peak body Pipfruit New Zealand is not due out until 26 January, major grower-exporter Mr Apple told Fruitnet.com the current unofficial estimates put the season at 15.5-16m 18kg tray carton equivalents (TCE), or 279,000-288,000 tonnes.
That figure represents a slight growth over the 2010 season, which came in at 14.6m TCE after hail damage took its toll.
“The growing season has been very good, and recent warm weather with occasional rain means fruit should be excellent eating right from the first shipment,” David Brasell, general manager of grower-exporter DM Palmer, told Fruitnet.com.
This upcoming season will no doubt continue the steady shift of New Zealand apple exports from Europe to Asian markets, spurred on in part by the New Zealand dollar’s appreciation against the euro and the British pound.
“Growing wealth in Asia is a big lure. The economic growth rates continue to impress, and the growth in supermarkets is also encouraging,” explained Paul Paynter of grower-exporter Yummy Fruit Co.
“The predominance of Fuji through Asia also provides for a longer selling season than in other markets. Fuji aren’t in the Bangkok market until mid-October, which leaves a good-sized marketing window for us.”
New Zealand’s difficulties with Braeburn in Europe and the UK are likely to continue, although there has been discussing in the country about funding market research and industry-wide promotions of the variety.
“New Zealand has had some tough sales campaigns in Europe over the last few years and there is a feeling that with better information a better outcome may be achieved,” explains Jono Wiltshire of grower-exporter Apollo Apples.
