New Zealand apple sales are progressing well this season, and as Northern Hemisphere stocks clear and Chile’s lower shipped volume takes effect prices are expected to increase.
Southern Hemisphere Royal Galas are currently filling Asian markets, and sales in the region have been progressing well, according to major New Zealand pipfruit exporter Enza.
“Quality feedback from Asia in particular has been excellent,” the company’s Campbell Naish told Fruitnet.com.
“Opening prices are at higher levels than this time last season, and the next few weeks should see the volume of New Zealand apple and pear sales increase as Northern Hemisphere and South American stocks diminish.”
The Thai market has slowed slightly as a result of the political unrests there, said Mr Naish, but Enza has made a good start to the season in Singapore and Malaysia on the back of in-store tastings.
“Hong Kong is performing well for us and China is steady. Chilean Fuji is expected in the Taiwanese market shortly, which will see New Zealand sales ease off for a period of time.”
In the UK, initial sale prices have been favourable for Enza, particularly for pears and organics. Enza’s flagship Jazz variety has also seen a boost in returns after linking up with the end of the UK and French Jazz seasons.
New Zealand pipfruit has attracted a meaningful premium over Chilean fruit in Europe, said Mr Naish, but the region’s economic uncertainties have kept exporters on their toes.
“With the New Zealand and Chilean crops down, the latter being down 8 per cent to date, we expect European markets to clear stock and our only real concern at the moment is the state of European economy,” he stated.
Pear pricing in North America has started out well for Enza – up 7.5 per cent and 25 per cent for Comice and Taylor’s Gold respectively – but increased apple shipments to the market from Chile have raised some uncertainties for New Zealand fruit.
“Chilean Royal Gala is up 55 per cent on last season as exporters move to US dollar markets,” Mr Naish told Fruitnet.com. “Whether significantly more fruit will be sent to North America is unclear, as the increased volumes to date may be a function of fruit destined for controlled atmosphere storage being shipped earlier than planned due to the infrastructural damage caused by the earthquake.
“This aside, limited sales of Enza Royal Gala have commenced at wholesale level and with one or two smaller retailers and we are achieving 30 per cent-plus premiums over South American fruit.”
Mr Naish said Washington apple stocks were 12 per cent lower as of 1 May year-on-year.
