Apple and pear growers are celebrating hitting a new milestone - topping $500 million in exports for the first time.
Pipfruit New Zealand said all producing regions performed strongly this season, with provincial areas in the North Island receiving more than $100 million extra in export receipts and South Island centres an additional $50 million.
Pipfruit New Zealand chief executive Alan Pollard said wise investment by orchardists over past seasons have combined with good growing conditions this year to see the industry really hit its straps.
Mr Pollard said the new outlook for next year is looking good too.
