New Zealand's cherry industry is experiencing an unprecedented export season, with projections indicating record-high volumes. Dean Smith, CEO of Summerfruit NZ, reports that cherry exports have already surpassed 5,000 tonnes, driven by strong demand during the Chinese New Year period in East Asia. Taiwan remains the top market, followed by China, Vietnam, and Hong Kong.
Favorable winter conditions, good flowering, and new investments in the industry, including advanced growing systems, have contributed to higher yields. Leading the growth is Southern Fruits International, which expects to harvest over 500 tonnes of premium cherries from its Central Otago orchards—the company’s largest yield to date. Sales & Marketing Manager Sharon Kirk attributes this success to increased pre-season demand, with forward orders secured for more than half of the anticipated crop at Asia Fruit Logistica in Hong Kong.
Southern Fruits’ orchards at Lindis Peaks and Mt Pisa (spanning 160 hectares) are now entering peak production, attracting premium retailers from the Middle East, Asia (especially China and Taiwan), the U.S., and Canada. Emerging markets such as Saudi Arabia, India, Thailand, and Hong Kong are also showing potential.
PFN News Archives - New Zealand Central Otago Cherries
The company has introduced a new cherry brand, "Moment", complementing its existing "Beyond" line, both featuring eight premium cherry varieties: Sonnet, Sandra Rose, Santina, Stardust, Lapins, Sweetheart, Kordia, and Staccato, available from late December through February.
This successful season follows a challenging year marked by adverse weather conditions that damaged protective nets, reducing production. The timely replacement of these nets ahead of the flowering and fruit-setting period has significantly contributed to this year's bumper crop.
With high-altitude orchards still harvesting, industry stakeholders remain optimistic about maintaining momentum and further strengthening New Zealand’s reputation as a top producer of premium cherries worldwide.
Read full article: Planetfood
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