“The high summer temperatures and long hours of sunshine in the Bay of Plenty region (where the largest hectares of kiwiberry are grown) has meant that the industry are predicting a good crop for the 2021 season. As growers we endeavour to produce the highest quality fruit possible, it looks like 2021 is going to be another good season for great tasting high quality fruit”, says Geoff Oliver, Chairman of the NZ Kiwiberry Grower Association.
"Volumes this year will be similar to 2020 with 150,000 trays exported. There is growth in the kiwiberry market worldwide specifically due to its great taste, health benefits and immunity boosting properties.
The New Zealand kiwiberry industry is developing and more hectares are being planted in the North Island.
This season the weather has been favourable for kiwiberry, being dry and hot.
"There is strong domestic demand for kiwiberries, but he majority of the crop is exported to Taiwan, Australia, Japan and the USA. We are not foreseeing too many issues with airfreight, but we expect to have to book freight spaces early."
Harvested between early February and early April, the NZ Kiwiberry is recognised globally for its high quality and nutritional value. It has higher levels of vitamin C (gram for gram) than kiwifruit and oranges.
The New Zealand kiwiberry industry currently has three varieties including Tahi, Marju Red and Takaka Green which all provide slightly different flavours.
For more information:
Julie Cross
NZ Kiwiberry Growers Inc.
Tel: +64 21 1393598
Email: julie@nzkiwiberry.com