The apple harvest in New Zealand has concluded earlier than anticipated, leading to a smaller crop and potential reduced availability. According to New Zealand Apples and Pears, the exportable crop is 11% lower than initial estimates, with only 18.9 million tray carton equivalents (TCE) available for export, a decrease from the projected 21.2 million. This reduction is attributed to varying fruit sizes across different growing regions, impacted by the effects of last year's Cyclone Gabrielle and spring weather conditions.
Despite the smaller fruit size, the quality of the harvest has been highlighted as one of the best in recent years. Karen Morrish, chief executive of Apples and Pears, noted, "The fruit flavour profile and storability are among the best the industry has seen in years thanks to exceptional summer conditions." She further mentioned that the favourable summer conditions have resulted in apples with excellent eating quality and colour across most varieties, which are already popular in export markets.
With the packing process concluding earlier than expected, there is an anticipation of a shorter supply in the near future. Growers are now focused on the returns from the overseas markets, with Brydon Nisbet, president of the Hawke's Bay Fruit Growers Association, expressing optimism for favourable market returns despite the global economic slowdown and the specific challenges in the Chinese market. He emphasized the premium quality of New Zealand apples and the need for adequate pricing to offset increased costs in labour, compliance, and shipping.
Source: 1news.co.nz