A decade of strawberry production : an economic assessment

The method of growing and marketing strawberries varies throughout the world and even within countries. Traditionally New Zealand produces strawberries on a short term cropping system where the plants may be cropped for only one or two seasons, as is the case in the Auckland province, or they may be held for three of four years as is common in the South Island. Sale is still based firmly on the local market both in fresh form and as block frozen for processing. Northern areas of New Zealand have developed a sound fresh export trade in punnets particularly to Australian markets and some strawberries are also exported fresh from the South Island later in the season. Strawberries are also exported in block frozen form and in the I.Q.F. (independently quick frozen) form. Latest statistics available1 are for the 1976 year.Figures for the 1970 year are presented for comparison. The 37.6% reduction in production in 6 years corresponds to the 38.7% reduction in area. The traditional Australian market for fresh strawberries has reduced by 79% in 6 years and represents only 40% of all fresh strawberries exported compared with 77% in 1970. Fresh fruit export to the U.S.A., U.K. and Hong Kong has increased and represents now 18,10 and 10% respectively of fresh strawberry exports. Unfortunately separate statistics are not available for export of frozen strawberries but it is estimated that it is approximately 150-200 tonnes per annum