New Zealand Apples and Pears CEO Karen Morrish marked World Apple Day on Friday, November 14, by reflecting on the 2025 season and the organisation's recent engagement in India.
Although the timing of World Apple Day does not align with the Southern Hemisphere production cycle, with New Zealand orchards currently holding small green fruitlets, the occasion offers growers a moment to review the past season. The 2025 harvest delivered high-quality fruit, strong yields, and a favourable export outcome for New Zealand producers.
© New Zealand Apples and Pears
A key development in 2025 was the organisation's participation in World Food India, held just over a month earlier. New Zealand Apples and Pears joined New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, the New Zealand Institute for Bioeconomy Science, and other stakeholders at the New Zealand Pavilion. As a Partner Country, New Zealand had increased visibility and direct engagement with Indian government representatives. Sector groups highlighted New Zealand's food production, processing, and safety systems and took part in panel discussions and meetings throughout the event.
© New Zealand Apples and Pears
Following the event, a New Zealand pipfruit delegation visited Himachal Pradesh in northern India. The visit built on a long-standing relationship between growers in both countries, dating back to the World Bank Apple Industry Development Project of the 1990s. Discussions during the two-week visit focused on shared objectives such as improving orchard gate returns, lifting productivity and yields, and ensuring long-term industry sustainability.
According to Morrish, growers from both nations identified cooperation and collaboration as central to future progress.
© New Zealand Apples and Pears
Back in New Zealand, favourable winter and spring conditions have raised early expectations for the 2026 harvest, though the season is expected to bring its own challenges. The industry continues to consider not only domestic lessons but also broader insights into global fruit production and the shared issues faced across key growing regions.
Morrish said that World Apple Day serves as a reminder of the global nature of pipfruit production and the importance of working with international partners to address future challenges.
© New Zealand Apples and PearsFor more information:
Jessica Wauchop
New Zealand Apples and Pears
Tel: +64 21 254 0923
Email: [email protected]
www.applesandpears.nz
