Apple Bytes - New Zealand Apple Newsletter

Issue 9: 1 May 2008

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General

Five varieties have come through the pack-house in the last weeks – Braeburn, NZ Queen, NZ Rose, Fuji and Granny Smith. We have had to manage production capacity and packing dates switching between varieties. NZ Queen is now coming to an end, and we have a strong program for Granny Smiths.
Royal Gala C.A expected to open mid May.

Export picking will end by next week. Packing for export is expected to continue through to mid June.

Royal Gala CA looks to open mid May

Royal Gala C.A (Controlled atmosphere Fruit) has been stored in C.A Bins and looks to open mid May at this stage. Fruit is currently in bins and will need to be packed. It will then take 4-5 days to pack first export shipments out. Colour still averaging 60-65%.

We have 2 colour grades: 50-70% and 70% up. Photos are attached – please take note.
Most of our fruit is committed to programs, but we will have some spare for adhoc orders.

2008 70% up Colour 2008 50-70% Colour
NZ Queen – Finishing Our exports of NZ Queen have finished. We have a few pallets remaining – which can be included in mixed container loads. Red Delicious – Finished Red Delicious air-store is finished. We have no Red Delicious in CA with our growers.	2008 NZ Queen
Braeburn – Started Volume down, lower than estimated. Braeburn picking is continuing, with approximately 30% of the fruit packed. Crop is lower than what was estimated. Indications are that prices are higher than last year from the markets. Colour looks good. Approximately 10% will be allocated to C.A which will open early June. Average size forecast around a 105# count.	2008 Braeburn
NZ Fuji Apples – Big size fruit Estimated approximately 55-60% of fruit has been packed. Exports to date have primarily been to Taiwan. Average size around 85#. Predominantly a large size apple with peak sizes in the 70,80,90 counts. Not much around 100# and hardly anything below a #135 count, with nothing below 150#. Packed in two colour grades. 50% and 70% up colour as shown below. We will start packing in 18kg carton this week for other markets.	2008 Fuji - High Colour 70% up 2008 Fuji - Standard Grade 50% up colour
NZ Rose – Big Size NZ Rose 24% packed, prices softened only this week – and look to hold. Good demand. NZ Rose looks to be clean, and colour good. Sizes average 84# count. Colour 65%. Hardly anything below a 110#, 120# count. Packed in 18kg carton. Good volumes, but no over-supply, as local market will pick up any spare fruit.	2008 NZ Rose
NZ Granny Good demand for Granny Smith. We are 40% through packing. Average size 104# count. Packed in 18kg Colour was good. Smalls will be bagged from size #120 and down for local supermarkets.	2008 NZ Granny Smith

 

Best Regards,

Denise

Disclaimer:

Information has come from a variety of sources and is largely summary articles. References are indicated. Where opinions are expressed they are of the writer, and do not necessarily represent the New Zealand Apple Industry. Fresh Fruits Company Ltd cannot be held responsible for damages which may be incurred as a result of any person acting upon information in this publication.