Export volume of New Zealand apples a lot lower this year

The New Zealand apple season will start later than usual this year. According to Tony Fissette of Enzafruit Continent this is around 10 to 14 days later, due to the cool spring in New Zealand. The total estimated export from New Zealand is at 300,000 tonnes this year. The top fruit specialist is looking forward to the new season. “What stands out is that there are less volumes coming to Europe. Hail storms in November caused damage and a smaller harvest. The Jazz apple was especially affected. Besides the bad weather conditions the lower export also has to do with the Euro-Dollar exchange rate,” explains Tony Fissette.

The ships with the new apples are on their way again. Enzafruit is the only New Zealand apple importer who ships half of the volume from New Zealand to Belgium with conventional ships. The other 50% of the volume is transported by container ships.

Small volume of Cox and Doyenné du Comice
Enzafruit imports varies apple varieties, including Cox, Royal Gala, Jazz, Envy Braeburn, Pink Lady and Doyenne du Comice pears. “A limited programme of Cox is expected this year. This variety is mainly intended for Germany. The start of the season is expected in week 17 and ends in week 22.” There is also a limited programme of the pear variety Doyenné du Comice. “The pear are expected at the end of April and then sold in Belgium and France.”

Royal Gala
"The harvest of this early variety is around the same volume as in 2001, but much less of Royal Gala will be exported to Europe. This is mainly due to the exchange rate, the weak Euro against the strong US dollar. The first arrivals of ENZA Royal Gala are in week 18.”

Jazz
According to Tony the European Jazz season has gone very favourably. “We are satisfied and have made good results. The season will finish at the end of April, so we will be able to make a perfect switch to the start of the New Zealand Jazz apple season, of which the first volume is on the market at the start of May. The quality and good colour of the Jazz apple promise to be optimal once again this season.” What is striking is that the export volume of Jazz will be 20-25% less compared to last year. “This is mainly due to the hail damage, caused by heavy storms in November. They took place in both the northern and southern islands of New Zealand. It was mainly the variety Jazz that was affected by this."

Envy
The Envy is the newest exclusive Enza variety. “This season only a limited volume will be exported to Europe. This is mainly due to the exchange rate. This means that the Envy will mainly be exported to Asia, the Middle East and America this season.”

Braeburn
Pink Lady
Enzafruit Continent expects the same volume from New Zealand as in 2014. The first arrival should be at the end of May.

For more information:
www.enzafruit.be