Cherries are set to be an export crop for Hawke’s Bay, selling into overseas markets already established by Otago growers.
Hawke’s Bay cherries ripen earlier than those in the South Island which helps aid the move to export, a move born out of necessity, says New Zealand Summerfruit Representative Richard Mills.
He said the supply of Hawke’s Bay cherries is set to exceed national demand.
“In my estimation there are more cherries planted in Hawke’s Bay now than we need to supply the New Zealand market from October/November through to Christmas and through to the new year, which is when the Central Otago fruit will generally take over the market.
“We have the possibility of exporting cherries, in the first instance, out of Hawke’s Bay.
Then we can grow the growing, of the hectarage of cherries in Hawke’s Bay. Peaches, nectarines, plums are all possible, as well.”
Summerfruit New Zealand represents about 280 apricot, cherry, nectarine, peach and plum growers.
First published by Hawke’s Bay. Click here to read the full article.