The wet summer was horrible for most horticulture sectors in Australia, but for the country’s kiwifruit crop it has been a real boon.
After paying serious sums for irrigation water over the last few years, growers this year have had no problems with water availability, and the crop is looking “spectacular”, according to major grower Jamie Craig of Bunbartha Fruit Packers.
“I really think it’s going to be a record,” he told Fruitnet.com. “We’re quite sure the volume is there, quality looks very good, and the size is going to be pretty good as well.
“Kiwifruit love the humidity, which they don’t usually get here. It’s been the ideal summer for kiwifruit.”
Early picking started around the middle of the month, and the season will hit its straps by mid-April, the peak running through to the end of June.
But despite the bumper crop, exports are likely to be a difficult affair this year. The Australian dollar has again popped above parity with the US dollar, which will mean pricing that isn’t particularly competitive against early Chilean fruit.
“Europe will still happen for us, but the Middle East is still a question mark this season,” said Mr Craig. “In Asia it’s difficult to be competitive, but we do have a break on the Chileans; we can land two to three weeks ahead of them.
“I’m not seeing the level of enquiry I usually would. I’m not overly concerned about that; we’ve got our usual customers, and the domestic market is strong.”
A protocol with India has also been signed since last season, and Mr Craig said he plans to send some test shipments to the market this year.
