Difficult start for the 2019/20 cherry campaign

In New Zealand the cherry season in the Central Otago region has had a difficult start. Rains damaged fruits and cold temperatures slowed maturation.

 

 

According to some, it is the most difficult and unprecedented start to the season in 25 years.

 

 

 

Fruits at the start of the season were damaged due to rains, followed by cooler weather, which slowed ripening. The harvest at the end of December totaled less than half the volume harvested the previous year during the same period.

 

 

 

Fortunately for producers, the weather forecast is favorable for the coming weeks. The mid-season varieties are promising and will be there for the Chinese New Year on January 25.

 

 

 

The Central Otago region generally exports around 4,000 to 5,000 tonnes of cherries. For this season, professionals hope to reach 3000 to 4000 tonnes.