Batlow orchard gets record crop, 2016 looking similar

At least one Batlow orchard has experienced a record apple crop in 2015, with volume up across all varieties, however there remains little opportunity to capitalise on exports. “We are currently packing to our program set at the start of the season, which will provide us with a constant flow of product until the end of January,” says Ardrossan Batlow Apples Marketing Manager, Hannah Cathels.

With a lack of protocols in place for Australia’s mainland apples, exports could be better, Ms Cathels says, however Ardrossan Batlow Apples did do a successful program shipping Pink Lady apples to Hong Kong, which were well received according to her. Tasmania is considered pest free, so does not need to meet the same strict requirements to export apples.

The fruit has all been a good consistent size and quality thanks to favourable conditions, says Ms Cathels, however there was an oversupply issue in the area because growers had similar bumper crops. “Market prices are always dictated by supply to a degree, this year they have been lower than previous years as orchards all across Australia had large crops so there has been quite a bit of volume to move.”

The news is what was expected from the Batlow area, and the Ardrossan Batlow harvest came before an exceptionally cold winter providing ideal chilling conditions, which made the headlines through the winter months, June to August.

The good growing conditions will also mean next year’s crop should develop well, according to Ms Cathels. “The weather has been warm with scattered rain over the last few weeks, at this point we are shaping up for another good season next year.”

The area where Ardrossan Batlow Apples has its orchards is harvested between February and May each year, with Royal Gala picked first, and Sundowners the last to come off the trees in May. The upcoming season should run to the same timetable, Ms Cathels confirms.

For more information

Hannah Cathels

Ardrossan Batlow Apples