As the 2015 apple harvest winds down, Hansen Orchards is reporting a 30% larger crop than 2014. “The Australian market has not been strong with low prices all season due to an over supply from most major Australian growing regions,” said Marketing and Communications Manager Baden Ribbon.
The Hansen Orchard crop will be finished packing by Christmas, with about 15% left, Mr Ribbon says. Hansen Orchards were lucky to escape any significant impact from hail this year, leaving the main varieties – Royal Gala, Jazz, Pink Lady and Fuji well in tact and plentiful. “The fruit has been the usual high quality you’d expect from Tasmania,” adds Mr Ribbon. The first exports of Pink Lady apples to China also went well for the grower, with Mr Ribbon reporting that feedback received was very positive after the shipments left.
The export market for apples is improving, Mr Ribbon says, however what can be considered ‘significant growth’ according to him has started from a very low base. This means that there is a lot of room for exports to increase, according to Mr Ribbon.
Market access for Tasmania, where Hansen Orchards grows its apples, is unhindered because of the state’s pest free status, so global demand is high. That doesn’t mean that price is not a barrier to overseas market improvement, however. “We are fortunate with market access in Tasmania, but find it very difficult to be competitive on the global market,” says Mr Ribbon. “We’re hopeful while the Australian dollar remains low, but it’s going to be difficult nonetheless.”
