New Zealand's East Coast is anticipating a prosperous apple harvest, promising a return of new-season apples to supermarket shelves. Karen Morrish, the CEO of New Zealand Apple and Pear, reported that despite last year's harvest being impacted by Cyclone Gabrielle, this season's growing conditions have been "fantastic".
Approximately 610 hectares of trees were lost in Hawkes Bay and Tairāwhiti, accounting for about 10% of the crop. However, Morrish noted that apple trees and growers are remarkably resilient. The nation's growing conditions this year have been superb, so a high-quality crop is expected.
Growers began harvesting in February and will continue through to April. Gisborne apple grower, Luke Hamlin, expressed that last year was challenging with three of their seven orchards flooded. Despite these difficulties, the outlook for this season is promising.
Hamlin affirmed that it's been a relief after a tough year and shoppers can expect to see more new-season apples in stores soon. Morrish added that customers can look forward to "good taste, good colour, [and] good crunch" from this season's apples, with royal gala apples being the first to hit supermarket shelves.
Source: www.rnz.co.nz