New Zealand apple and pear exports down by 11 per cent

New Zealand Apples and Pears (NZAPI) has released its post-harvest crop estimate for the 2024 season forecasting a 11 per cent decrease in TCEs (tray carton equivalents) for export. Export TCEs are estimated to be down from 21.2m, as calculated in January 2024, to 18.9m post-harvest due to varying fruit sizes across the growing regions. However, fruit flavour profile and storability are among the best the industry has seen in years, thanks to exceptional summer conditions, according to NZAPI. Long hot days, dry conditions and cooler nights have produced apples with delicious eating quality and good colour across most varieties, NZAPI stated in a press release. NZAPI chief executive Karen Morrish said New Zealand apples are already proving popular in export markets. “While fruit is smaller than we expected across the board, it has been one of the best harvests in several years,” said Morrish. “Demand in our key export markets is strong, with fruit of such a high quality that ...