News about New Zealand

The Forest Lodge company abandons fossil fuels for a 100% electric approach

Tech management

21 Jun 2024

The company uses a range of electrical equipment, including anti-freeze fans, irrigation pumps and vehicles, all powered by a 23 kW solar system and a 105 kWh battery, as well as by New Zealand's high-intensity renewable electricity grid.

TOMRA's new LUCAi platform for post-harvest efficiency in the US and New Zealand

Post-harvest​

21 May 2024

Cherry packers Prima Frutta Packing, Dunstan Hills and Panmure Orchards in California, the US and New Zealand have implemented TOMRA's LUCAi technology, achieving ‘improved grading and a productivity increase of around 10%’.

Robots to help cherry growers in New Zealand

Tech management

10 Apr 2024

Burro units are fully electrified, allowing to greatly enhance sustainable footprint in operations, with estimated reduction in carbon emissions of up to 80,000kg’s of C02e annually, and 70% reduction in running costs per 40-hectares block of cherries.

Southern Fruits International (New Zealand) promotes online pre-sales, expected to double volumes in 2024

Press review

22 Feb 2024

Southern Fruits International's Beyond brand cherries will continue to be available for online purchase throughout the season,' says Sharon Kirk, the company's founder and marketing manager, 'through online sales of 1 kg, 2 kg and 5 kg boxes.

In Otago, an experimental project on freezing cherries promises new opportunities for the New Zealand market

Post-harvest​ Quality Press review

29 Jan 2024

Every year an average of 2,207 tonnes of Central Otago cherries are discarded or not harvested due to imperfections. Eden Orchards, known for its juices, has experimented with individual freezing of cherries in an attempt to develop a commercially viable process.

New Zealand boosts export campaign in Asia: excellent demand and online sales

Markets Press review

03 Jan 2024

The Chinese market, says Sharon Kirk of Southern Fruits International, has shown more interest in 26mm fruit and 1kg boxes this year. So far there has been very good demand and the fruit will continue to be available for purchase online throughout the season.

Global cherry trade keeps expanding reaching 750,000 tons in 2023

Markets

19 Dec 2023

Chile is by far the largest cherry exporter globally, exporting 414,000 tonnes of cherries from November 2022 to February 2023. By region, Europe is the largest producer of cherries and accounts for 32% of global production.

Diversification and calendar expansion are driving global business development

Markets

15 Dec 2023

Rabobank senior analyst Gonzalo Salinas monitors global trends in the cherry trade as the Southern Hemisphere prepares for the 2023/24 season. At the end of 2023, there are mixed trends in the entire cherry sector.

Forest Lodge Orchard: the world's first 100% electric cherry orchard

Tech management Planting systems

13 Dec 2023

The orchard now runs on a near-zero energy bill: a solar system has been installed and a three-phase connection to the power grid. Two antifreeze fans were imported from South Africa and travel is done by electric golf-carts.