The first Honey Belle™ pears out of New Zealand are making their way to Canada, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore and China, with the first about to arrive on Asian shelves within 10 days. “We’ve also started air freight shipments to Singapore,” adds Andrew Common, Marketing Manager for Kiwi Crunch, a Twyford based export company servicing the Hawkes Bay area.
There has been a higher demand for New Zealand pears, and this has meant the price has remained good. “We’ve held market prices the same as they were for 2014. We’re seeing a really strong market for pears, driven by a shortage from the U.S,” adds Mr Common. While the latest season for pears started in August for the U.S, the fruit is now in short supply, so consumers are keen for New Zealand grown imports.While the volume of fruit coming out from growers is similar to the 2014 harvest, this season’s pears are definitely a ‘better eating quality’ and large fruit, Mr Common says. “We’ve had a nice warm, dry climate with cold nights, which is perfect for pears.”
Other varieties to come out of New Zealand include Bosc, Comisce, Velvetine and Taylor’s Gold, and the exports should continue for about three more weeks, according to Mr Common. Honey Belle pears are popular for their size and sweetness generally, especially with kids looking for a sweeter snack.
For more information:
Andrew Common
Kiwi Crunch
Phone: +6421723773
E-mail: andrewc@kiwicrunch.com
Website: www.kiwicrunch.com