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.
