New Zealand Feijoa market reaches 800t

The New Zealand Feijoa fruit market is taking off, with 800 tonnes expected from the next harvest, beginning in mid March. The industry is also planning for expansion following additional tree sales. “We are expecting to see steady growth in area, judging by tree sales and membership enquiry,” says a spokesperson for the New Zealand Feijoa Grower’s Association. Production volumes are also expected to increase significantly as new plantings come on stream and acreage grows.

At least some of those new plantings will be bound for export, as the export market expands to Australia and South East Asia. The USA and Japan are also potential new export markets, according to a spokesperson for Southern Belle Orchard, which grows Feijoas for the domestic and international markets.

The Feijoa, native to Uruguay and Brazil, is known as the ‘pineapple guava’ or ‘guavasteen’ and remains popular throughout New Zealand, where it is mainly sold to wholesalers, with around 25% used for processing in tinned products, juices or fruit salads. It is growing in popularity as consumers search for fruits that are healthy and not overly sugary. Feijoas contain glycoside compounds known as saponines, which are thought to have anticancer properties. The fruit is also high in flavonoids, which are thought to help in preventing heart disease as well as having anticancer properties.

The Feijoa is also being promoted through multiple channels by the NZFGA, including radio, print media, distribution of information leaflets and brochures. NZFGA president Tim Harper says on the Association’s website that the industry is also employing ‘world leading growing techniques’ to ensure a successful harvest and consistent quality and supply.

The Feijoa growing season lasts from mid March until late June, and the fruit is ready to be eaten slightly soft, much like a peach.

For more information:

Phone: +6478886412

E-mail: sobelor@gmail.com

Website: www.southernbelleorchard.com

Website: www.feijoa.co.nz