Apples and pears hit $1b milestone
New Zealand’s apple and pear industry has surpassed $1 billion in orchard gate returns (OGR) for the first time.
One of New Zealand’s largest apple growers, Bostock New Zealand is expecting a solid season in 2017.
Bostock New Zealand Owner John Bostock says the outlook is positive thanks to mild weather and few frosts.
“Warm, dry conditions are ideal when trees are in bloom - we have had some really hot days in Hawke’s Bay, with temperatures reaching the mid 20s and indications show it’s a strong bud,” Bostock says..
“When the sun is shining, bees are out doing their bit to pollinate the blossoming orchards – then it’s up to our team to do everything possible to see a high quality crop through to export.”
It’s an exciting time for Bostock New Zealand as new varieties will start to produce fruit with higher colour and sweeter taste, geared towards consumers in Asian markets.
Bostock New Zealand planted up big in new varieties during the winter months, replacing old apple varieties.
“We planted about 4000 trees a day during the winter and these trees are now starting to take off with the warmer weather.”
The new apple tree varieties include Premier Star, TCL3 and Kingsbeer Red.
“We will be getting the first samples of these new crops this coming season, so we are excited to meet the international consumer demand with bright red, sweet, juicy apples,” says Bostock.
“Organic apples are seeing consistent growth in export markets and we are actively focused on keeping the quality of the fruit high.”
