As the sun begins to set on the 2025-26 season, it is a natural time for reflection. While many New Zealanders have felt "short-changed" by the summer weather, our growers and industry partners have worked hard to ensure that consumers didn’t feel the same way about their summerfruit. It has been a season of grit, with some difficult choices, and an impressive focus on quality.
Navigating a Challenging Harvest
This year’s weather presented a stark contrast across our two main growing regions. While Hawke’s Bay enjoyed favourable conditions, our growers further south faced a relentless combination of rain, wind, and a general lack of heat.
I recognise the pressure these conditions have placed on many of you, forcing difficult operational decisions, adding cost, and just making the whole job that much more stressful - especially for those growing cherries for export. Whether you chose to leave a block unpicked or harvested only a fraction of your crop to maintain economic viability, I acknowledge the weight of those calls and appreciate for some, it probably feels a bit unfair.
While this 'quality over volume' approach will have tightened returns, it has safeguarded our premium reputation in critical export markets. Final export volumes reached 3,267 tonnes - a notable shift from last year’s 5,158 tonne record. However, our strategic foundation remains solid, and I am confident the industry is primed to bounce-back strongly next season.
A Domestic Success Story
While exports faced headwinds, the domestic market has been a standout performer. Supported by the exceptional quality of what continues to be supplied, Kiwis have enjoyed fantastic fruit all summer.
The feedback has been heartening. Just today, I received an email from a consumer that I feel compelled to share with you all:
"I would like to pass on my thanks to the growers... who have produced what I think has been some of the best quality and most affordable stone fruits in a long time... one of the most important things that I notice when buying fruit is the smell... and none of the range of the NZ grown fruits have disappointed in any way. We are very lucky to be able to eat such beautiful, well-grown produce."
Industry Evolution: Exporter Services
Last week the Summerfruit Exporters Committee held a Special General Meeting (SGM), where members voted to dissolve the organisation, handing the responsibility for their representation and core functions to Summerfruit NZ.
This transition has been enabled by subtle changes to the Summerfruit NZ Constitution at our last Annual General Meeting (AGM). We take this new responsibility seriously and are proud to represent our exporter members. I would however like to be clear: grower levies will continue to be applied strictly in accordance with the commodity levy order, with exporter-specific activities funded independently.
Join Us: Mid-Year Grower Events
Once the season is completely in the rear vision mirror, it is important that we come together to decompress and reconnect. Tickets are now on sale for our mid-year grower events, and thanks to our generous sponsors, we’ve kept the early bird price at just $59 per person for members - well below the actual cost.
The ticket includes dinner and drinks at two spectacular venues:
- May 19: Black Barn, Havelock North
- May 21: Wooing Tree, Cromwell
Dr. Mark O’Connell from Australia will give a keynote technical talk during the afternoon sessions before each dinner. A celebrity speaker will also appear at both events. Book soon, as spots are limited.
Finally, to those of you still completing your season - finish strong. We look forward to seeing you all in May.