Hawke’s Bay cherry cultivators are still grappling with the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle. Jerf van Beek, proprietor of Riverside Cherries, stated that the cyclone's effects resulted in a "light" harvest, with only about half the yield of the preceding season. Early season cherries were most impacted, with quality ameliorating for later varieties.
The cyclone caused waterlogged soils and hindered trees' carbohydrate storage. Muddy conditions restricted access to some blocks, impeding timely fertiliser application and crop spraying. Despite these challenges, the quality of the cherries remained high and fetched premium prices.
Van Beek noted that the industry grappled with escalating costs, including rising labour costs and staff shortages. However, Kate Hellstrom, CEO of Summerfruit NZ, affirmed that despite these challenges, high prices and good fruit quality were standard for both export and domestic market suppliers.
Early season exports exceeded previous years due to favourable weather conditions. Exporters also benefitted from a favourable freight situation and secured space on numerous passenger flights. Despite inflationary costs posing a challenge, the industry profited as borders opened and more holiday visa holders entered the country.
The NZ Horticulture Export Authority reported that the industry exported cherries worth $77.8 million in 2022, with prices around $20,000/t.
Source: farmersweekly.co.nz