Integrow, based in Hawkes Bay, New Zealand, exports apples, onions, and squash. The company is also a licence holder of the new up-and-coming pear variety, Piqa. With new plantings maturing, large growth is expected for this variety in China next year.
© Integrow
For apples, the key export varieties are Gala, Queen, Fuji, Pink Lady, and Granny Smith.
"Asia is our primary market for all the above products, which we load into 40ft containers. We also air freight central Otago cherries over the Chinese New Year period," said Angus Curry, Export Sales at Integrow.
© Integrow
"Our primary markets for apples are China, Taiwan, India, Vietnam, the UAE, and Europe. Piqa Pears, we ship largely to China but are also exploring other markets for next season. Squash is primarily grown, packed, and shipped for the Korean and Japanese markets. Onions are shipped throughout Europe, Japan, Taiwan, Malaysia, the UAE, Pacific Islands. A Large proportion of our volume is shipped to Indonesia."
"New Zealand had a very favourable growing season, and we are very pleased with how our arrivals have been across the categories. Apple crops were up in size, and the temperatures leading into the season also produced some vibrant colour, which has been favourable for our customers. Our apple season started slightly earlier than usual this season, with maturity coming on earlier than in previous seasons. We also experienced ideal weather in many of our onion growing regions, which has allowed good flexibility for storage and late-season sales."
© Integrow
Integrow is vertically integrated through the investment and setting up of the KEA apple packhouse and brands. This has attracted many new growers. "This season, volumes were up approximately 30%. We are also expecting further growth next year as the cyclone recovery continues and some of the younger trees mature, increasing volumes. Piqa pears are also growing in volume rapidly as the new variety is adopted by growers and the initial plantings are now hitting production targets. The market uptake of Piqa has also been positive, with customers looking forward to the additional volumes next year."
Angus said that apple demand has been increasing, with many customers globally opting for higher-quality New Zealand options. The US tariffs are also influencing demand. "We have seen a particular increase in enquiries from Canada this season and look forward to growing this market in the following years."
"Logistics from New Zealand can often be a challenge as we are rather remote. Integrow has the benefit of working directly with the shipping lines to maintain a regular service for our customers, minimizing any delays."
Integrow will be at Asia Fruit Logisitca on the New Zealand pavilion, Hall 5, Booth 5L02
For more information:
Angus Curry
Integrow
Tel: +64 22 047 5763
[email protected]
www.integrow.co.nz