Good news for New Zealand: export growth of over 30% expected

15 Jan 2025
616

A better harvest of cherries from Central Otago is expected to bring higher profits for growers this season.

The harvest started over a month ago, and there are still three weeks remaining.

The president of the Central Otago Fruit Growers Association, Kris Robb, stated that the quality of this season's cherries is exceptionally high.

“We’ve had mixed weather and there are some microclimates, so yields vary from orchard to orchard, but overall this season looks significantly better than the last one.

“If I had to guess, I’d say the region could produce around 5,000 more tons for export, with a growth of 30-40% compared to last season.”

According to Robb, the final count won’t be known for a few weeks.

“Better yields and strong demand in domestic and international markets mean that growers should achieve better profits.

While domestic demand began to decline, growers were ramping up exports for Chinese New Year at the end of the month.

Even Chile, one of the largest producers of cherries in the world, had an excellent harvest, with yields significantly higher than previous years.

Chile flooding international markets with cherries might lower prices, but New Zealand cherries have a competitive edge.

“Chilean cherries are shipped by sea and are a bulk product sold in supermarkets, whereas our cherries are a high-quality product sold to high-value clients, so we’re not directly competing, but we keep an eye on what they’re doing.

Tim Jones, CEO of 45 South, one of the country’s largest exporters of cherries, agrees.

“The weather has been unpredictable, so things have been a bit slow, but the next weeks will be very busy.”

Jones said the company, which owns about 250 hectares of cherries, is seeing fruit of excellent quality.

“The cherries are of great size and are crisp, as required by our export markets.”

“The export program is going very well, with over 70% of this season’s fruit destined for export, while the rest will supply the domestic market.”

Read the full article: RNZ
Image: SL Fruit Service


Cherry Times - All rights reserved

What to read next

AgroPv project: semi-transparent solar panels to increase sustainability

Planting systems

06 Sep 2024

“This project aims to create a synergy between agricultural systems and photovoltaic systems,” says Victor Pizarro, project director. “The crop benefits because sunburn and excessive radiation are avoided; there’s also an increase in water efficiency".

Here is the new Cherry Times Magazine

Events

07 Oct 2024

Cherry Times Magazine is back in print and digital format full of content, news and information on the world of cherries. Pick up your free copy at Fruit Attraction (Madrid) in the Press Area!

In evidenza

Chinese greenhouse cherries: booming sales in Vietnam despite high prices

Covers

06 Jun 2025

Chinese greenhouse cherries are winning over the Vietnamese market despite high prices. With high-tech farming, fast delivery and premium quality, they compete with the US and Australia. But growth depends on bigger investments and official trade channels.

How to avoid soft cherries under cover: the macrotunnel model in Spain and Chile

Covers

06 Jun 2025

Early cherry production under plastic covers is expanding in Chile and Spain, but fruit quality relies on careful management of light, humidity and temperature. Expert Javier De Pablo explains the drawbacks of rain covers and the advantages of automated macrotunnels.

Tag Popolari