Central Otago Cherries
Festive Cherries
New Zealand is a niche producer of premium-quality cherries, predominantly exported to high-value Asian markets. Most are grown in Central Otago, where a low-humidity, hot summer climate provides ideal growing conditions.
New Zealand’s annual cherry production of around 4,000-5,000 tonnes is small by global standards1. However, we are fortunate our growing season coincides with the month-long Chinese New Year celebrations throughout greater Asia – and despite the relatively small production volumes, New Zealand ranks as the fourth largest exporter of cherries by value.
Demand during this short but lucrative export window (December – early February) has been virtually insatiable, with Central Otago cherries commanding a price premium for their size, freshness, and flavour.
Recent cherry orchard developments have adopted the latest technology, including denser planting rates, new tree training techniques, and more precise micromanagement (e.g. fertigation). These initiatives are achieving higher yields of export-quality fruit and helping to reduce production risks.
1. International Fresh Produce Association. (2023). Cherries Production Quantities by Country. Retrieved from https://www.freshproduce.org/siteassets/files/commodities/profiles/cherries.pdf.
