Asian demand has New Zealand cherry growers optimistic for this export season

 

According to the New Zealand media, cherry growers are planning a very positive export campaign this year, after 2 campaigns where difficulties (pandemic, closed borders, lack of labour, etc.) have accumulated.

 

This season started with the majority of sales, before Christmas, coming from the domestic market but since the beginning of January the majority of requests have come from abroad. From Asia and in particular from Malaysia, Hong Kong and Taiwan. Chinese demand is slightly weaker than before the pandemic but the requirements have changed: the size of the cherries was previously paramount but buyers now want firm cherries rather than very colorful and sweet.

 

Another positive point for this campaign, the transport of cherries by plane will be facilitated, with 8 B777F freight planes planned for January by China Airlines between Taipei and Christchurch as well as 5 787 planes planned by Air New Zealand from Christchurch to the markets. Asians every week until the end of March.