New Zealand's cherry industry sees record-breaking export season

28 Feb 2025
723

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


Cherry Times - All rights reserved

What to read next

Riveridge Land Company reduces risks in cherry production with customised cover system

Covers

30 Jul 2024

Customisations included skid steer loader platforms and attachments to simplify the handling of the necessary rolls and cabling. For the new area, the company switched to high-density UFO (upright fruiting offshoot) plantings with a V-shaped trellis.

Price trends: downward fluctuations in the German market

Markets

01 Jul 2024

Spanish offerings dominated the scene and played a particularly important role in Berlin. Fruit larger than 32 mm cost about EUR 8 per kg. In Hamburg and Cologne, the presence had expanded considerably and were therefore cheaper.

In evidenza

Turkey increases cherry and sour cherry production: new sustainable asphalt applications

Processed

01 Aug 2025

Turkey’s cherry and sour cherry production rises, prompting innovative ways to manage waste. Çurkova and Ege universities explore biochar from cherry residues to enhance asphalt durability and sustainability, supporting eco-friendly infrastructure.

Dried cherry production in Chile: GoodValley strategy and global markets

Processed

01 Aug 2025

Dried cherry production in Chile is growing with GoodValley, aiming to reduce waste and enhance value. From the Colchagua Valley to Asia, the strategy focuses on expanding exports and finding markets for an innovative and increasingly appreciated product.

Tag Popolari