Hawke's Bay, known as the fruit bowl of New Zealand, is gearing up for the summer berry season and the stone fruit harvest. However, this season holds mixed emotions for growers as they recover from a challenging 2022/23 season, which included the impact of Cyclone Gabrielle and unusually wet conditions. Christmas cherries will follow, and strawberries have already begun to be harvested, which will continue through the summer. Despite the challenges, good growing conditions in spring provide hope for a successful season. Some orchards have suffered losses, and overall fruit production may be smaller this season, leading to potential price increases in supermarkets.

Source: New Zealand Herald November 13, 2023 19:14 UTC