NZ top-fruit returns improve

Growers exporting through New Zealand’s larges to-fruit marketer Enza can expect far better returns this season than last.

With the company around 80 per cent of the way through its sales period, Enza chief executive Kevin Bell has predicted the average return will be about $21.50.

In 2005, New Zealand's growers suffered one of their worst years on record. Royal Gala, which represented almost 37 per cent of exports, averaged just under $14, while the other major export variety, Braeburn, averaged less than $10.

Lower volumes and a better balanced export strategy have been cited as the major reason for the turnaround.