With PSA at bay, NZ kiwifruit industry growing strong
New Zealand’s kiwifruit industry has turned a new leaf with disease control, and as yields rise, producers are looking to make a global impact.
A once devastating disease for New Zealand’s producers, PSA no longer poses an immediate threat, explained Zespri CEO Lain Jager. After five growing season dealing with the bacterial disease, farmers now possess much greater knowledge.
“Orchards that were lost to PSA are starting to recover. PSA will be here forever in New Zealand but we are managing to grow through it. We have developed good orchards and good fruit, which is driving our growth going forward,” Jager told www.freshfruitportal.com.
While individual growers may still feel the devastation of the disease, the nation’s larger industry is experiencing an upswing that points to greater market opportunity.
In fact, 2015 brought a 30% increase for New Zealand’s kiwifruit production, bringing volume to 475,000 metric tons (MT), according to a recent U.S. GAIN report. Impressive tonnage out of New Zealand was bolstered by record yield from the green crop and notable growth in gold production, particularly for Sungold.
With a forecasted El Niño drought averted, 2016 remains on track to meet or surpass last year’s output.
“We actually got plenty of rain. (We’ve got) good-sized fruit and the growing year is looking pretty green and pretty healthy,” Jager said.
That bodes well for Zespri’s global vision for New Zealand kiwifruit.
In 2015, kiwifruit export receipts came in 43% higher year-on-year, at US$980 million (NZ$1.44 billion). If the industry has its way, export value will continue increasing.
With the gold harvest recently commenced, Jager indicated four ships have already been sent to Asia, reaching traditional marketing like Japan. Container shipments began a couple of weeks ago.
While China is on track to become the biggest market, Zespri also has its eye on North America. Plans are already underway to set up shop in Los Angeles, California.
“North America is an exciting market for us. We’re investigating it now. We’re setting up a U.S., sort of, office and getting around. One of the key drivers we’ve found for boosting consumer demand is about a lot of sampling, getting out and about in the public,” Jager said.
Although gold kiwifruit remains largely unknown among U.S. shoppers, sampling efforts have introduced more consumers to its tropical flavor. Jager also said the opportunity to try Zespri’s gold kiwifruit had encouraged U.S. consumers to return to the brand.
Gold kiwifruit has played an important role in New Zealand’s PSA recovery. The Sungold variety, now planted on 4,800 Ha, has demonstrated greater tolerance and become popular among farmers.
Grower knowledge has also played a vital role in improving yields. Jager said the industry has been active in sharing knowledge and ideas.
With orchard selling prices now on par with pre-PSA values, Jager said the industry is holding strong and on track to continue growing.
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