Tuesday, 31 January 2023 14:55

Good quality and size a feature of 2023 export apple crop

Written by  Staff Reporters
As the apple industry heads into the 2023 harvest season, it's expected fruit for export will be of good quality and size. As the apple industry heads into the 2023 harvest season, it's expected fruit for export will be of good quality and size.

The New Zealand apple industry is expecting fruit of good quality and size as it heads into the 2023 export harvest season.

“At the same time, we are estimating export volumes to be similar to last year’s, at an estimated 20.4 million TCEs [Tray Carton Equivalents],” says New Zealand Apples & Pears Incorporated (NZAPI) chief executive, Terry Meikle.

“We are seeing a reduction in the volumes of European Union-bound traditional varieties such as Braeburn - which is expected to be down by 15 percent - as well as Pink Lady and Jazz. Some near market varieties like Fuji, NZ Queen and NZ Rose are also going to be down in volume,” Meikle says.

“However - and this bodes well for the industry’s future - we are seeing continued growth in trademarked varieties such as Rockit, Envy and Dazzle.”

Meikle says the industry is focused on quality and a positive, world-leading future.

“While we still have challenges just like every other country in the world, the New Zealand apple industry has a lot of advantages, thanks to decades of investment and exceptionally committed and passionate growers.

“Importantly, consumers enjoy the taste experience of New Zealand apples. This is something we are immensely proud of and are intent on delivering on, in line with the reputation we have built up over many years.”

More like this

2024 red meat exports end on a high

New Zealand's red meat exports for 2024 finished on a positive note, with total export value increasing 17% over last December to reach $1.04 billion, according to the Meat Industry Association (MIA).

Good season for apples

Brydon Nisbet, the president of Hawke's Bay Fruit Growers Federation, says the mood of growers in Hawke's Bay is quite upbeat because it's been a good season for apples.

Featured

Farmers urged not to be complacent about TB

New Zealand's TBfree programme has made great progress in reducing the impact of the disease on livestock herds, but there’s still a long way to go, according to Beef+Lamb NZ.

Editorial: Making wool great again

OPINION: Otago farmer and NZ First MP Mark Patterson is humble about the role that he’s played in mandating government agencies to use wool wherever possible in new and refurbished buildings.

National

Machinery & Products

Farmer-led group buys Novag

While the name and technology remain unchanged and new machines will continue to carry the Novag name, all the assets,…

Buhler name to go

Shareholders at a special meeting have approved a proposed deal that will see Buhler Industries, the publicly traded Versatile and…

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Make it 1000%!

OPINION: The appendage swinging contest between the US and China continues, with China hitting back with a new rate of…

Own goal

OPINION: The irony of President Trump’s tariff obsession is that the worst damage may be done to his own people.

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter