N.Z. APPLES HIGHLY REGARDED OVERSEAS

Press, Volume XCIV, Issue 28016, 10 July 1956, Page 17

N.Z. APPLES HIGHLY REGARDED OVERSEAS

(Special Correspondent N.Z.P.A.)

LONDON, July 8. The high regard in which New Zealand apples are held in the United Kingdom, the United States, and Europe, and optimism for the market prospects of New Zealand apples are the main impressions gained during a tour abroad by Mr J. H. Parker, chairman of the New Zealand Apple and Pear Marketing Board. He is to return to the Dominion in the Rangitoto. With Mr S. F. Campbell, the general manager, who will leave London next week to return to Wellington by way of the United States, Mr Parker visited markets in the United States, Canada, Britain and on the Continent. "In all these places we were delighted to hear most favourable comments on New Zealand apples,” said Mr Parker. “This was especially gratifying after complaints about quality and price in New Zealand. It is evident that in these overseas countries people have become accustomed to paying higher prices commensurate with the depreciation in the value of money. “I think it is a wonderful achievement that New Zealand apples can compete in overseas markets without any assistance of subsidies. Our fruit is reported everywhere to be arriving in excellent condition, and in some countries they say it is the best they have ever had. We know, of course, there are some weaknesses, including packing, but they are comparatively minor. It is certain that our fruit compares more than favourably with apples from our main competitors— South Africa, Australia and Argentina. Increase in Trade “During the last five years New Zealand’s apple trade has steadily improved, to the financial benefit of our growers, whose production an acre has increased and who are expanding their plantings of orchards. Land such as the Moutere Hills, Nelson, which previously would not carry one sheep to the acre, is now providing a gross return from apples of £lOOO an acre.” Of the future, Mr Parker said: “I am quietly optimistic. I believe our production methods are as efficient and economical as any other fruit-growing country’s, and we are continuing to improve. From inquiries we made I found the general opinion that our prices should be maintained for a foreseeable period at present levels. The main thing we have to do is to put fruit on the market in good condition, and we are doing so with a real measure of success. “Through speedier handling in New Zealand ports and reduction in the time between picking and shipping we got the fruit away quicker and earlier this year, and with its good condition realised better prices. In particular, fruit loaded directly on board at Napier and Nelson has been landed in outstanding condition. “This direct loading has meant the elimination of a lot of handling, transshipment to Wellington, and saving in cost. If only some assistance could be given to the Nelson Harbour Foard so that more direct loading could be done there it would be to the benefit of the

industry and the country as a whole. “We can still improve the industry and it will be helpful if we can see that various markets abroad receive the types and sizes of fruit they prefer.” A reception was given to Messrs Parker and Campbell by the New Zealand Apple and Pear Marketing Panel, whose chairman (Mr D. A. Ridley) recently visited New Zealand. The guests included the Prime Minister (Mr Holland) and New Zealand’s High Commissioner (Sir Clifton Webb).