A disastrous blackcurrant season in Europe is expected to boost the demand and prices for New Zealand currants.
Europe, in particular eastern Europe, accounts for most of the world production of blackcurrants.
But New Zealand agronomist Jim Grierson, who heads the International Blackcurrant Association, says climatic factors could halve the European harvest this year and that will mean a world shortage.
He says the supply shortage could double international blackcurrant prices; a good outlook for the small New Zealand industry that exports about 95% of its annual crop.
Prices for growers are expected to double to about $2NZ per kg.
The next blackcurrant harvest will start in late December.
