New Zealand’s 2017 apple and pear harvest will fall short of pre-season forecasts.
Earlier this year, Pipfruit New Zealand (PNZ) forecast a record gross crop of 590,000 tonnes of apples and pears, up from the previous record of 560,000 tonnes achieved in 2004. Of this estimate, 384,000 tonnes was expected to be exported. However, with the harvest almost finished in most growing regions, the season has delivered a gross crop significantly down on estimate.
According to PNZ CEO, Alan Pollard, “the impact of a number of factors could result in our gross crop being as much as 10% below forecast, with later varieties including Braeburn most affected. Despite a great growing season delivering fruit with some of the best eating qualities ever, some of our forecast assumptions have not supported the volumes anticipated in January. Once the season is over we will review those to ensure a more accurate forecast for next season”.
While volume is down, fruit quality is very good. “It is likely that in some of our key markets, such as Europe and the UK, volumes will be at or below those achieved last season”, says Pollard. “While the lower export volume is disappointing, consumers can still expect to experience the unique taste and quality that New Zealand apples and pears are renowned for”.
Despite the setback, the NZ apple and pear industry remains confident of achieving export revenue of $1 billion ahead of its target of 2022. In 2016, export revenue was $720m.
