Central Otago producer Ardgour Valley Orchards is officially launching its export program. Director Sharon Kirk said three specialty apricot varieties, bred by Plant & Food Research specifically for the Central Otago growing region, will be exported between December and February. The program will include several well-known, proven varieties. The apricots – Nzsummer2, 3 and 4 – were bred especially for flavor, color and shelf life.
Specialty variety Nzsummer4 will be the first to harvest, from mid- to late December, followed by Nzsummer2 and 3 from late January to mid-March.
“It will be our first year in the international market and we’re forecasting a good crop despite some variable growing conditions including several frosts and a snowstorm leading into the season. The 25 hectares of trees which we planted over the past three years coped well with the conditions and are laden with fruit,” Kirk said. “Depending on the weather, we expect to produce 70-80 tonnes this season, with fruit exported to Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Middle East, the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia.”
Source: farmersweekly.co.nz