The New West Apple and Pear Industry Association (NZAPI) recently lowered its production forecast for the 2022 season.The updated forecast for export packs is 20.3 million cases (pallet cartons), down 12% from the organization's pre-season forecast of 23.2 million cases.NZAPI said the adjustment would mean a reduction of NZ$105 million (about 449 million yuan) in export earnings.
NZAPI chief executive Terry Meikle said inclement weather and severe labour shortages during peak harvest periods prevented growers from maximising yields.
“While our production may be around 12% lower than originally forecast, it is also a testament to the resilience of our grower community and our best performance in the face of this challenging harvest,” Meikle said.
“Growers do not have enough labor to implement the initiatives of previous years to expand production. The impact of the epidemic on key producing areas and the lack of backpacker labor has further exacerbated labor shortages at a critical time in the harvest. In this environment, production Itis simply not possible to maximize production."
Production in Hawke's Bay, New Zealand's main apple growing region, is expected to fall by 15% from the January forecast.Gisborne was the worst offender of the major producing regions, with production down 20% from initial forecasts.Gisborne received more than 500mm of rain in multiple rains, while Hawke's Bay received 320mm.
Production in Nelson is expected to decrease by 7%.This is due to the continued impact of hail weather in 2021, with many fruit trees flooded and unable to produce this year.
Port logistics, shipping disruptions and container shortages have all impacted exports in 2022, particularly in the Nelson region, Meikle said.
"Unfortunately, the continued sluggishness of the global supply chain network and the global inflationary environment appear set to continue to adversely affect our industry in the coming months," he explained.
"This season has undoubtedly been the most challenging production season in recent years, but the resilience of our grower community to produce quality fruit is admirable, which has provided our overseas and domestic customers with an excellent eating experience."
