Following the severe impact of Cyclone Gabrielle, Aotearoa's kūmara production is witnessing a significant recovery. Northland, where approximately 97% of the country's kūmara is cultivated due to its favorable climate and soil conditions, suffered extensive crop damage, leading to rot and scarcity. This scarcity saw prices spike to as high as $14/kg. However, the market is now experiencing a resurgence of kūmara varieties, including orange, gold, and red, with availability improving on supermarket shelves.
Brigit Corson, Foodstuffs Produce and Butchery North Island head, reported a current price of about $7/kg for red kūmara, with expectations for orange and gold varieties to match this price point in the forthcoming weeks as harvests progress. Corson emphasized the versatility of kūmara, noting its utilization across various sizes for different purposes, from processing to retail. Despite the past year's challenges, efforts were made to ensure a diverse size range was available to consumers. As supply continues to stabilize, prices are anticipated to decrease further, reflecting the resilience of the kūmara supply chain in New Zealand.
Source: nzherald.co.nz
