Industry body NZAPI reflects on return to form in 2024 and an extremely positive forecast for the new export season
New Zealand’s apple and pear industry has surpassed NZ$1bn (€550mn) in orchard gate revenue for the first time, according to new economic impact data released by New Zealand Apples and Pears (NZAPI).
And that upward trajectory is set to continue. The group’s annual crop estimate predicts an “excellent, clean harvest of high-value, premium-quality fruit”. And it points to an expected 10 per cent increase in exports to around 21.0mn cartons in 2025.
According to NZAPI, “textbook” winter and spring conditions have ensured New Zealand’s apple and pear harvests have exceptional colour, eating quality, and flavour.
Storage potential for the “incredibly clean” crop is also expected to be “as good as ever”.
NZAPI chief executive Karen Morrish said the crop represented a return to form after some big challenge in recent years, and reflected a move towards higher-value varieties.
“New Zealand apples and pears are renown as a premium product. While New Zealand is not the biggest supplier of apples in the world, we punch well above our weight globally,” she commented.
“Our growers take pride in producing fruit that is healthy, clean and sustainable, and this year’s crop is exactly that. Demand in the industry’s key export markets is strong, with consumers consistently returning for New Zealand fruit.”
Almost two years after Cyclone Gabrielle slammed into many of the country’s orchards, the group’s 2024 economic impact report also suggests the industry contributes around NZ$2.5bn (€1.37bn) to the New Zealand economy – 27 per cent more than in 2023.
“We take immense pride in the economic impact that our industry contributes to New Zealand and the regions we live and work in and our economic impact statistics highlight the value of the industry’s work,” Morrish added.
“With little change in planted area, increasing costs and yet a growth in our economic contribution, we can be confident that this has come from increased productivity, investment in high-value IP varieties and a diversification of international markets.
“Our industry is pulling sustainable levers to grow our contribution and NZAPI wants to ensure a healthy operating environment that is conducive to prosperity remains.”
