Apricot Exports Rise

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 31880, 7 January 1969, Page 12

Apricot Exports Rise

"The Press’ 1 Special Service ALEXANDRA. Jan. 6. The export of Central Otago apricots to ; United States and Pacific area markets is expected to increase '■ to about 160,0001 b this season—lo times the amount sent last year.

Agents for big northern firms are seeking large quantities of apricots for export, .expecting to air-freight the •fruit out of Dunedin for and overseas late This month. ’ About 15,0001 b af apricots was exported last year to the Pacific area, with most going to San Francisco and Los ;Angeles. I Export apricots this season :are being sent to the United

States, and smaller centres such as Tahiti and Noumea. The apricot season is about a week later than normal, but some early crops are being picked on some orchards in the. Cromwell Gorge. Strawberry exports are being increased this year, with larger shipments to Australia and a small consignment being air-freighted to Hong Kong. The strawberries are

trucked to Dunedin, flown by the National Airways Corporation to Christchurch, and exported from there. Small consignments of cherries are being exported. Two 511 b cases have been sent to London, and one case has been sent to McMurdo Sound in Antarctica. The cherries sent to London will cost the recipients more than $2 per lb, taking freight costs into account.