Turners & Growers has forecast strong global demand for New Zealand pipfruit this season, with 90,000 tonnes of Enza apples expected to be exported over the next eight months.
The New Zealand firm’s CEO Alastair Hulbert said favorable growing conditions, consistent product quality and on-going investment in technology have been keys to the positive season outlook.
“Our market partners in Europe, the UK, the US and Asia are looking forward to the Southern Hemisphere season to continue on from their strong Northern Hemisphere programmes,” Hulbert explained.“Although 2014 may not reach the level seen with the 2013 season, the prospects are certainly encouraging.”
Harvesting is underway for Pacific Beauty and Royal Gala in both Hawkes Bay and Nelson, with Jazz to follow over the coming weeks.“Jazz, Envy and Pacific Rose have all had a good year and Jazz and Envy are looking fantastic with good size and colour,” Hulbert said.“This is testament to our growers and the good growing conditions we experienced in most of our pipfruit producing regions.”
Last month, Turners & Growers launched its new corporate strategy, which looks to grow both the company’s domestic and international markets with an increased focus on the pipfruit category.The company has also unveiled upgrades to its controlled atmosphere stores, along with new packing and grading equipment to help improve product quality for both its domestic and international markets.
“We have invested in state-of-the-art grading equipment at our packhouse in Hastings that can sort pipfruit based on specific requirements for particular markets,” Hulbert said.“Export needs can often differ market by market so these investments will help us deliver more efficiently to our markets’ requirements.”
