Apple growers have been told by Turners & Growers that their final payment for the season will be late due to tough selling conditions in the northern hemisphere.
The company owns New Zealand's largest apple export company, ENZA.
Managing director Jeff Wesley says more favourable selling conditions allowed growers to receive their final payment last year at the beginning of October.
But this year it's not expected until the final half of the month.
Conversion into the New Zealand dollar is also lower.
Mr Wesley says late-season apple varieties such as braeburn and jazz were the most affected.
Pipfruit New Zealand chief executive Peter Bevan says there had been early indications that the season would be a difficult one.
He says northern hemisphere growers have been in the market much longer than southerners.
