mmon industry is hopeful of exporting to the US and China in the future, though, as Brian Pepper of First Fresh explains, it won't be for another couple of years at least. He points out that the import procedures are at the public consultation stage currently, after which the rules will need to be set and make their way through the legislative systems of the intended export destination countries. Brian says that the markets, which would be added to existing countries such as Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan and Taiwan.
"Market access to China and the US would help reduce industry reliance on traditional markets and spread risk of adverse events in any of our markets."
He points out that the markets are likely to welcome the persimmons as both destinations are confident in the fruit's reputation for health benefits and have counter seasonal production themselves.
Brian says that, if such export does take place in the future, it is likely to be based on quality rather than quantity as exporters will need to secure premium prices to make shipping to these destinations viable in the face of anticipated phytosanitary requirements.
"It is foreseeable that careful niche marketing will be required if NZ marketing companies are going to achieve good prices that will reward growers for the extra work required in meeting protocols likely to be set by both countries."
However, he does not envisage this being a problem. "Our industry structure sets standards which all exporters must meet as a minimum. Fruit quality is the main point of difference NZ exporters rely on when trying to achieve the returns that their growers require."
Despite the fact that such export would be based on supplying a relatively small amount of premium fruit, there would still be a need to increase production if other markets were not to suffer as a result.
"Recent and planned plantings of Fuyu persimmons will help to meet the demand for NZ fruit in traditional markets if access eventuates."
Currently the national export volume of persimmons is between 280,000 and 300,000 4kg trays, 50-60% of which is handled by First Fresh who also export satsumas, Meyer lemons, Yen Ben lemons, Navel oranges and smaller quantities of asparagus, blueberries and kiwi berries.
For more information:
Brian Pepper
First Fresh (NZ) LTD
Tel: +64 6 863 0621
Mob: +64 21 285 2597
brian.pepper@firstfresh.co.nz
www.firstfresh.co.nz