It has been a mixed bag for fruit growers in the South this summer, many blaming the poor weather for disappointing yields.
Summerfruit NZ Ltd’s latest market update from early February notes growers are waiting for some heat to get varieties maturing and that "there is plenty of fruit yet to be picked".
The report suggests that generally, supply is not meeting demand.
Summerfruit NZ’s report mentioned cherries had also had a difficult season.
"There are still a couple of orchards to finish picking, but that is all."
Meanwhile, plums were suffering a downturn, volumes being "light".
"The lack of volume is being reflected on the supermarket shelves."
Summerfruit NZ was nonetheless hopeful, as buyers and retailers seemed happy with consumer demand for summer fruit.
