Europe is not expected to become a significant apple supplier into the Asian market, according to Rabobank’s senior fruit, vegetable and floriculture analyst Cindy van Rijswick.
'The misfit between European varieties grown on the one hand and consumer preferences in Asia on the other, is proving to be an impediment for European fruit and vegetable exports into Asia,' van Rijswick said.
'For example, the apples grown in northern European countries are not the super sweet and very colourful ones that are preferred by Asian consumers.'
In addition, the culture of doing business, and the fact that governments in Asia have not granted access to certain European fruits from certain countries are also obstacles, she added.
The opportunities in Asia for New Zealand horticulture, however, are very good, she said.
Read the full interview in September's Asiafruit Magazine.
