The Summerfruit NZ team has just spent three days visiting growers and
packhouses in Central Otago. With the season largely completed, it was good to hear how the season has gone.
We heard a variety of views from industry participants about issues that faced the industry. For example, we heard that there have been issues with cherry quality, in particular leading up to Chinese New Year, which affected the returns for this fruit category. Issues included pitting and softness, and we heard that reaching the in-market desired size profile was challenging. There were a number of opinions about why this was an issue for cherries this season, ranging from the impact of the wet spring in November through to the temperature differential at picking time, plus concerns over key varieties that may not meet the changing consumer expectations around size. This is a challenge that we will continue to work through with industry participants.
We were really pleased to hear how well nectarines and peaches have gone in Central Otago, with good looking fruit still coming of the trees and some growers still having a week of packing to go. However, apricot volumes were extremely low due to the frost events that occurred in the spring.
It was fantastic to see smiling faces and see that the mood of many growers is much improved on past years during the border closures. We hear there were good levels of staff available. However, everyone is thinking of their grower friends in Hawke’s Bay. At every visit, people noted their concerns for the Hawke’s Bay growers and their wish to support them in any way they can.
A big thanks to everyone who met with the Summerfruit NZ team and, for those of you we couldn’t get to this time, we hope to see you soon.