Although the various issues, including labor shortages, could persist for the 2021/22 season, estimates point to production up + 5% and exported volume up + 7% from the previous season 2020/21.

 

Production

According to a FAS (Foreign Agricultural Service) report by USDA's Global Agricultural Information Network (GAIN), New Zealand's 2021/22 apple production is expected to reach 578,000 tonnes, or + 5% compared to the 2020 season / 21.

 

Exports

Last season about 8% of apples were not harvested due to labor shortages and exports fell to 355,000 tonnes, or -12% from the previous season. For this 2021/22 season, labor shortages could persist but exports are estimated at 380,000 tonnes, or + 7% compared to the previous season.

 

The destinations of New Zealand apples are diverse, with significant volumes going to Asia, the European Union, the United Kingdom, the United States and the Middle East. For the 2020/21 season New Zealand exports varied downward to the EU (-26%), Russia (-27%) and the United Kingdom (-18%) but upward to India (+ 25%).

 

 

source : apps.fas.usda.gov

Positive forecasts for the 2021/22 season in New Zealand, with + 5% for production and + 7% for exports (source: pipfruitnzstories.co.nz).