The New Zealand apple sector is expected to see a year-on-year rise in apple and pear exports this year along, according to an industry representative. 

New Zealand Apples and Pears business development manager Gary Jones told Fresh Fruit Portal exports for the 2018 season were forecast to rise by 11% to 380,850 metric tons (MT).

Production, meanwhile, is expected to come in at 576,173MT, he said.

The association's chief executive Alan Pollard has reportedly said that growing conditions this season have been exceptional, according to local media Scoop.

“We have had enough rain to ensure all regions have good quantities of irrigation water, and sunlight and warmth are at the best levels since 1998. These factors are setting up another high-quality apple and pear crop that New Zealand is renowned for," he was quoted as saying.

Pollard also reportedly said that overall fruit size was marginally larger than in 2017 and that the season running early in all regions.

“The Hawke’s Bay region, which accounts for about 65% of our export crop, is running about 10 to 14 days earlier than the last two years; while Nelson which accounts for about 25% of the export crop is about three to five days earlier,” he was quoted as saying.

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