Central Otago apple growers are looking towards an exceptional harvest this year and growers predict volumes 10% up on forecasts and better quality fruit.
Orchardists in the region noted quality fruit, better-than-expected tonnage, and expansion into new markets as factors pointing towards a positive season.
Enza Otago regional manager Jeff McDonald said the season for Enza suppliers was proving ''fast and furious''.
Pipfruit New Zealand director and Teviot Valley orchardist Stephen Darling said recent ''balmy'' weather had been a boon for picking fruit of ''exceptional quality, high colour royal gala and fuji.''
Although fruit volumes were expected to be similar to or slightly less than the record crops in 2012 and 2013, fruit size and pack-outs [export content] were up, factors that would probably bring better prices for growers, Mr Darling said.
Owner of Webb's Fruit, Simon Webb, of Cromwell, said the season was shaping up nicely, with ''heaps'' of ''very good'' fruit, and ''with the fruit being of better quality, [it] means more in the box and less to the juice factory''.
Ettrick orchardist Con van der Voort was more cautious: ''It is going to plan. It is very hard to judge but so far we are on target.''
The high New Zealand dollar and the exchange rate continued to be an issue for growers and all exporters, he said.
Mr McDonald said the effects of the high dollar had been felt in the industry for about three seasons so far, while Mr Darling said Otago growers were looking for an improvement in returns to make up for tough years over the past decade.
McIntosh Orchards Ltd owner Wayne McIntosh said despite the high dollar, this year was the most positive in the past five for his orchard.
Factors such as expanding market opportunities in the Middle East and Asia and New Zealand's quality fruit were helping counteract low returns due to the high dollar.
''The demand for New Zealand apples is coming back due to traceability and quality. People are prepared to pay for it [a high-quality product].''
Mr McDonald said although they were increasing demand, Asian markets were not alone a saviour for the industry in the face of the high dollar.
Apple growers in New Zealand needed a mix of markets in the United Kingdom, Europe and North America, as each region sought different apple sizes and varieties.
Mr Darling said early demand from most markets was, at present, exceeding available supply of New Zealand fruit as the national crop was lighter than in 2013.
