Optimistic Outlook for New Zealand’s Apples and Pears in 2024

According to a recent report from Fuseworks Media, industry association New Zealand Apples and Pears has announced its forecast for the upcoming 2024 crop. It is anticipated that the industry will recover from the significant losses experienced during the 2023 season due to Cyclone Gabrielle, with a projected total production increase of 12% compared with 2022.

The total export volume of apples and pears is expected to reach 21.2 million boxes, equivalent to approximately 382,000 metric tons. Moreover, this season’s apples and pears are anticipated to stand out in terms of size, color, texture and flavor while exhibiting a higher dry matter content that will make them more suitable for storage.

Karen Morrish, the association’s CEO, stated that the industry had suffered significant economic losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic and Cyclone Gabrielle. However, after navigating through this challenging period, the industry is currently benefiting from almost ideal growing conditions. This positive development, combined with the dedicated efforts of growers, has resulted in the optimistic production forecast.

According to Morrish, the weather conditions in all growing regions are exceptional, offering the warm and dry environment essential for apple and pear cultivation. From Gisborne to Central Otago, the favorable weather during the spring and summer seasons has fostered robust tree growth and fruit setting, yielding high-quality fruit with an exceptional taste. She also spoke highly of the growers, praising their resilience and drawing a parallel between their tenacity and that of the apple trees in overcoming challenges.

New Zealand is a major source of imported apples for China. In 2023, out of the 81,700 metric tons of fresh apples imported into China, 55.8% or 45,600 metric tons originated from New Zealand. Furthermore, New Zealand has also gained recognition for developing highly sought after apple varieties such as Envy, Rockit, Sassy and Jazz, which boast an attractive appearance as well as exceptional taste.

Image: Pixabay

This article was translated from Chinese. Read the original article.