A bumper cherry season that started back in December, followed by full on harvesting of blueberries and other summer fruits is certainly keeping grower RD8 busy during the early part of 2015. “2015 has started with a record cherry crop out of New Zealand,” says Craig Hall, of RD8. That has really been the headline news for the grower.
There was more than twice the number of exported cherries compared to the biggest season previously, and other crops are just coming into the mix now as the cherry volume drops off. “The busy period continues through February and into April. The apples have also just started and persimmon will start late March.” The activity is not expected to slow down until it gets closer to wintertime.
In terms of exports, RD8 continues to focus mainly on Asia and the Asian region with cherries in particular, and Australia as the main destination for blueberries and apricots. With such high volumes, the market price for cherries did come under pressure according to Mr Hall. “The Chinese New Year holiday was late as well this year so we didn’t get a lot of demand from that. But, generally, prices in the markets have been good,” he says, adding that the continued strength of the NZD means that good prices don’t always translate to high returns in similar dollar terms. The Central Otago region, where RD8 export cherries are grown, is well known for its stunning scenery and fertile ground.
RD8 Fresh Produce is named after the address by which the New Zealand Postal Service recognizes it. The delivery service is especially important to rural farming communities, so the name was an official way of recognizing that, according to Mr Hall and co-owner Dean Astill.
For more information:
Craig Hall
RD8 Fresh Produce
Phone: +6499691522
E-mail: craig@rd8.co.nz
Website: www.rd8.co.nz