New Zealand top fruit producer Golden Bay Fruit will commence this year’s harvest around 15th February. According to Patrick Meikle the growing season has been really good with long hot sunny days and good water availability.
“Cox will be the first variety to be harvested, followed a week later by Royal Gala. We export all over the world, but Cox will mostly go to the UK and Europe, Royal Gala is sent to all destinations. The next variety to be harvested will be our own Cherish apple, this is still a relatively new variety and last year we had a small volume. This year will see a major increase in production with volumes expected to be 10 times more than last year. We ship the Cherish to all destinations, but the biggest volume will to the Asian markets. There is a lot of interest and very good demand for Cherish.”
Golden Bay Fruit grow many varieties of apples including the new Miranda TM apple, a sweet green variety and the Piqa®Boo® pear which will both see a doubling of volumes this season.
Europe had a big crop in the 2018 season and Patrick said that sales in first couple of months of 2019 will determine the rest of the season.
The company are at the moment finishing a brand-new packing facility which will be ready for the start of the season. Covering 25,000 m² it will be equipped with state-of-the-art grading and packing machinery.
“The machinery is from Greefa who have had engineers here since before Christmas and more have arrived since Christmas to finish the installation. The grader will detect all internal and external defects in the fruit.”
For more information:
Patrick Meikle
Golden Bay Fruit LLP
Tel +44 1223 229036
Skype patrickmeikle2