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
16 Dec 2024
Before the wasp can be introduced in the Netherlands, much remains to be done. Herman Helsen: ‘We have to prove that the introduction of the parasitic wasp will not disrupt the entire native fauna. A dossier is required for this authorisation'.
14 Aug 2026
Poland’s Łutówka sour cherry harvest is nearing its end, while processors have raised prices only slightly. Growers say returns remain below production costs, raising concerns about the future of investment in orchards, modern machinery, crop protection and fertilisers.
06 Nov 2026
A study in three Israeli cherry orchards tests seismic sensors to detect Cerambyx dux larvae, track pest phenology and map infestations. Signals may reveal activity before visible symptoms and help target inspections, but further validation is needed.
06 Nov 2026
In Tasmania, trials by the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture show GA₃ increases Lapins cherry firmness by about 20%. Application rate and timing affect fruit size and maturity as researchers examine how to balance quality, harvest timing and late-season markets locally.
