Cherry exports surpassed 5000 tonnes for the first time nationally, despite a cooler summer in the south.

Some growers said they had their best season in years, with 2017 the last time many had experienced a bumper crop.

Meanwhile, the wine growing season started last Friday, and February’s warmer temperatures had moved the harvest along well.

Central Otago Winegrowers Association manager Carolyn Murray said it was a positive outlook for viticulture this season. 

“There was a significant frost early in the growing season, but crop loads are now looking good, and the relatively dry summer has resulted in high-quality fruit and low disease pressure.”

An impressive Moorpark harvest at Webbs Fruit in Cromwell SUPPLIED

When asked what challenges the industry faced, she said vineyard owners were impacted by rising costs, and sales both domestically and internationally had slowed in 2024 due to the tough economic climate. 

“Central Otago however is well positioned to ride this out as producers of premium wines, with world-wide recognition and a strong focus on sustainability. Central Otago has recently achieved a remarkable milestone of 30 per cent of the vineyard area now certified organic,

the highest proportion in New Zealand."

Back on the orchards, Cromwell grower Simon Webb also believed people tightening their wallets had started to affect domestic sales of fruit in recent weeks.

“The cost of living is hitting home and where there is a special on the fruit is really moving, but otherwise it’s not.”

His fruit quality was high this year and the weather was conducive to growing good peaches, apricots, nectarines and plums.

Heritage fruit such as greengages were very popular this season - almost every roadside stall down in the Teviot Valley was selling them, and Simon said his crop had done well at market as well.

The new NZSummerfresh apricot varieties were also strong, and in particular the summer ‘blaze’ which growers said was showing real potential overseas.

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