A cold spring in Hawkes Bay and Nelson will result in a smaller export crop of apples and pears this season, but the forecast for Central Otago fruit looks good.
Pipfruit New Zealand predicted the national crop would be down about 15%, to between 261,000 and 266,000 tonnes, compared with last year's final export volume of 308,000 tonnes.
Chief executive Peter Beaven, of Hastings, said this spring and summer had delivered challenging conditions for growers in Hawkes Bay and Nelson, where most of the country's apples and pears were produced.
"We had a very early start to flowering following a warm August, but the spring conditions during October and November were characterised by cold weather, rain and some hail.
"Luckily, much of the hail came before growers had thinned their crops, so many were able to remove much of the damaged fruit," he said.
About 60% of New Zealand's apple and pear crop is grown in Hawkes Bay, with Nelson generating about 30%, and Central Otago 5%.
Ettrick fruit grower and Pipfruit New Zealand director Stephen Darling said Central Otago was also colder than usual during spring and the start of summer, but recent weather had been favourable.
"The warmer weather we've had recently and some very welcome rain has certainly helped apple and pear crops.
We are seeing some very good colour in our fruit at present, and while I would expect a slightly smaller crop volume overall, the quality is very high at this stage," he said.
Mr Darling said it was too early to forecast how many tonnes of apples and pears would be generated in the district this season, which typically had a later harvest than other parts of the country.
"Our apples and pears have got a slightly longer growing period than those in Hawkes Bay and Nelson, and our autumn conditions usually enhance our colour and flavour development," he said.
Mr Beaven said despite the setback, demand for New Zealand's pipfruit was expected to be strong in all international markets.
Exporters were already receiving good levels of inquiry from Asia, Europe and North America, he said.
