"The fruit will be shipped until mid August, in the meantime it will be cold stored in MA bags to prolong the season," explains Robert Quinn, from JP Exports Ltd.Quinn said, "Great weather conditions during growing produced a bumper crop of excellent quality, however recent frost has caused some issues on the tree which need to be graded out at the packhouse."
JP Exports expect to export 30,000 4kg tray equivalents this season. The company's volumes are growing each year as their growers increase production.
Overall the New Zealand persimmon industry expects to export approx 350k trays this year, which is 50k more than last year.
JP Export's persimmon growers are based North of Auckland in Northland. The main export markets are Australia, Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong, Brunei and small amounts to the Pacific Islands.
"As the volume we export annually increases we are extending our spread of markets to ensure we have options for all fruit sizes and specifications," explains Quinn. "Looking at possibilities in the Chinese market – the New Zealand industry is encouraged by recent discussions on allowing NZ persimmon access to China and hope to see this market open for the 2015 season if all goes to plan."
In the past JP Exports have exported under grower brands but they are starting to introduce JP Export's brand to customers to complement the other products exported under the JPX brand – Avocado/Apricots.
Robert QuinnJP Exports Ltd
Tel: +64 9 573 0071
Email: rquinn@jpexports.co.nz
www.jpexports.co.nz