Apple and pear growers are looking forward to a more fruitful season this year, with a bigger crop and better growing and harvesting conditions.
Pipfruit New Zealand is forecasting an export crop of almost 17 million cartons, which is an average sized crop. but about a million up on last year's small harvest.
Services manager Gary Jones says it's a much more balanced crop from the marketing point of view.
Picking has already started but the main harvest starts next week.
The newer apple varieties include Envy, Jazz, Pacific Queen and Pink Lady.
