Apples selling for $1 a kilogram in Central Otago are not an
indication of a poor-quality season, growers say.
Some orchardists in the district are selling early-variety
apples from roadside stalls for as little as $1 a kilogram.
Pipfruit New Zealand Central Otago director and Ettrick
orchardist Stephen Darling said it was a way for growers to
get people to buy directly from the property.
"There's occasionally small quantities sold at the farm gate
at very reasonable prices, but that's not unusual. It depends
on the quality of the fruit and nature of the orchard, but
it's not an indication of how the season is going."
"People do that to get customers in the shop, just like
supermarkets," he said.
Most Central Otago apple growers were focused on export
crops, and preparing for the peak of their season between
late March and early April.
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