Simon Easton from Wairepo Holdings Ltd in Lower Moutere was very positive back at the start of the New Zealand apple harvest. He was right to be optimistic, "We have had a really nice crop and most varieties came in at budgeted volumes," said Simon.
"We had a couple of wet periods during the harvest, and it was wet through Easter. We used Harvesta on some late varieties to extend the harvest. We still have lots of packing to do, but so far, so good."
Simon said that sizing, skin finish, and brix were all normal.
© Wairepo
Wairepo grows apples on 65 hectares, The main varieties are Envy, Pink Lady, Ambrosia, and Jugala, these are for export to China, Vietnam, Thailand, Europe, and the UK. They also supply Heartland Fruit with Ambrosia for the domestic market.
"The selling season is steady, and the exchange rate is ok. The effect of Trump's tariffs on fruit returns is still a little bit of an unknown."
At the start of the season, Wairepo has just completed the installation of New Zealand's first Reemoon grader.
"The Reemoon grader has exceeded expectations. Packing record bin numbers for our orchard. We are working on defect sorter software, but overall, we are very happy with the season and our new packhouse. We have just two days of picking left."
For more information:
Simon Easton
Wairepo Holdings Ltd
[email protected]
