Pipfruit New Zealand is predicting that the 2015 apple harvest could yield as much as 550,000 tonnes, up from 488,000 in 2014, while maintaining similar export levels (just over 300,000 tonnes). All in all Royal Gala apples should make up 28% of the crop, Braeburn will be 20% and Jazz will be 9% of the total. The figures are within a couple of per cent of the 2014 crop, except that there was an additional 9% supplied by Beauty/Queen and Rose varieties.

The cooler spring weather meant that the season started one to two weeks later than last year, but that has not impacted the quality of the fruit available. “The size of the fruit is at or just a bit less than last year, but quality is again outstanding,” says Alan Pollard, CEO of Pipfruit New Zealand.


Hail in some growing regions has meant that off a record production base, exports are expected to remain average. The bulk of Pipfruit New Zealand exports (33%) were sent to Asia in 2014, and there is no expectation that that should change. Europe received 28% of exports, North America 16% and the UK and Ireland (separate to continental Europe) received 14%, according to Mr Pollard.


As the harvest is getting bigger, there are new plantings underway to accommodate increased volumes. “Nationally the planted area has increased by 200 hectares or 2%,” Mr Pollard confirms. “There have been significant increases in NZ Queen, Envy, and emerging varieties such as Honey-Crisp and Rockit. Royal Gala, Fuji and Pink Lady also showed modest increases.” He also says this has brought with it additional capital investment and technological advancements, particularly post-harvest.

The other news for growers is the consolidation that has been happening. “Consolidation continues to occur in the industry, with Turners & Growers acquiring Hawkes Bay’s Apollo, and Freshmax acquiring Hawkes Bay’s Crasborn,” says Mr Pollard. The Apollo takeover, originally announced in April, is in order for Turners & Growers to expand its export business. The Freshmax/Crasborn merger was finalised in December.