Anticipated slightly higher quality apple crop

In New Zealand, the apple harvest is forecast to increase by 2.5% and the quality of the fruit is considered exceptional.

 

 

 

According to the New Zealand Apples & Pears organization, the harvest will reach 604,500 tonnes, ie + 2.5% compared to the previous season.

 

 

 

Despite the hail in the Central Otago region, growing conditions in the rest of the country were very good. Adequate precipitation, good amount of irrigation water, light and heat at the best levels, resulting in fruit quality deemed to be exceptional.

 

 

 

With regard to varieties, Royal Gala remains the No. 1 variety for export, representing around 30% of total shipments. The Braeburn variety continues to decrease, the area planted has decreased by 7% compared to 2018 and export volumes are expected to decrease by 8%.

 

 

 

The area planted with apples and pears continues to increase by around 3% to 4% per year and is now 10,189 hectares.