Potato sector’s chipping away fails to gain government support
The Government is brushing away grower concerns about a looming potato invasion from the European Union.
According to Stats NZ, kiwifruit achieved its highest price ever in December 2019.
“Kiwifruit prices rose 32% in December to a weighted average price of $8.27/kg, an all-time high,” acting consumer prices manager James Griffin said.
This compares with $4.24 in December last year.
The price rises for kiwifruit contributed to a 2.1% increase in overall fruit and vegetable prices in December.
Seasonal fruit and vegetables were also up.
Potatoes, apples, and onions were the main contributors to the rise in fruit and vegetable prices between November and December.
The average prices/kg in December 2019 were:
• potatoes – up 18% to $2.13
• apples – up 16% to $3.80
• onions – up 8.9% to $2.38
Price rises for potatoes, apples, and onions are typical in December. These were partly offset by nectarine prices (down 24%) and lettuce prices (down 18%).
