PHOTO: SRL FILESA sweet start to the cherry season hit turbulence come harvest, souring predicted export volumes, a Central Otago grower says. A large cherry harvest was expected to lift cherry export revenue by 5% to $130 million this season, ending June 30 this year. Central Otago Fruit Growers Association member and Clyde Orchards manager Kris Robb, of Earnscleugh, said the cherry harvest was ongoing in Central Otago. Since the release of the report, the weather had "played havoc" and he expected fewer cherries to be exported than forecast. The current cherry export volume was "well down" on where it was at the same time last season.

Source: Otago Daily Times February 03, 2026 15:39 UTC