New Zealand apple exporters are kicking off their season favoured by late starts to the harvest in both Chile and South Africa, but they are not getting complacent.
Peter Beaven of New Zealand trade body Pipfruit NZ said: “This has given us the opportunity for a few more sales in Asia, but shipping is now in full swing in all southern-hemisphere markets.”
South Africa has a considerable price advantage over competitors, because the rand has devalued considerably against the US dollar during the past 12 months.
Meanwhile, New Zealanders believe the EU is looking favourable, as European crops are clearing well at relatively strong prices and, with citrus availability tight, this allows more shelf space for their apples. “Southern-hemisphere supplies of Royal Gala are 40 per cent lower than last year so far,” said Beaven. “And Braeburn and Royal Gala are both selling well, while Pink Lady will run out before southern-hemisphere fruit can arrive.”
The Kiwis are encouraged by the UK market at this stage, with retail prices 12 per cent higher than in 2007 at the start of the NZ season.
Ian Palmer, chairman of Pipfruit NZ, reports that the Cox harvest in the Nelson area has yielded lower volume than expected, while Royal Gala volumes are larger. In Hawkes Bay, the Gala harvest has come in slightly lighter than initially forecast, and growers are now eyeing Braeburn carefully as the harvest gets underway for any signs of impact from the spring frosts last year.
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