WELLINGTON: New Zealand kiwiberry exports are up this year, according to Geoff Oliver, chairman of New Zealand Kiwiberry Growers.
Volumes rose from 95,000 trays in 2014 to 105,000 trays this year, with more fruit heading to China and less to the US, where Chile is regaining market share. Domestically, sales also rose, from 3,000 trays last year to 15,000 trays this time around.
The biggest issue this year was the late start to the season, in addition to mixed levels of maturity per bunch. Oliver said research was being conducted into how to achieve more even buds, while flower-thinning was also being considered.
Kiwiberry remains a niche fruit, with 45ha under production in New Zealand, the vast majority being grown in the Bay of Plenty.
