Record year for NZ fruit exports
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Pre-packaged potatoes preferred Australian consumers prefer their potatoes pre-packaged. The latest report from AUSVEG’s Potato Tracker consumer research project has shown that one- to two-kilogram packages are the most favoured by consumers, with 24% indicating a preference for one-kilogram bags that offer convenience, while a further 28% would like two-kilogram bags that also offer value. “Only 8% of consumers indicated that they don’t purchase pre-packaged potatoes. With so many Australians choosing bagged spuds, there is a great opportunity to tailor products to specific markets,” said AUSVEG spokesperson Alexander Miller. “As the demographics of Australia continue to evolve and with more people living on their own, we are seeing a change in preferences amongst consumers and see this as an opportunity for potato growers and retailers,” he said. In a promising statistic for the potato industry, over 95% of Australians surveyed intend to continue purchasing the same amount of potatoes, or more, in the future as they currently do.
FRUIT AND VEGETABLES
New Zealand fruit exports reached an all-time high of NZ$2 billion in the year ended June 2015. The value of fruit exported increased by 20% (NZ$330 million) compared with 2013/14, with the rise attributed to higher prices and a 9% increase in export quantities. Statistics New Zealand’s international statistics manager Jason Attewell said the country had achieved record monthly fruit exports in April, May and June 2015, with May recording the highest-ever value of fruit exports for a month (NZ$445 million). Kiwifruit and apples led the monthly increases; exports in May 2015 were the highest value recorded for both kiwifruit (NZ$280 million) and apples (NZ$157 million). These increases occurred despite a 5.3% fall in the canopy area of kiwifruit and a 4.8% fall in the area planted in apples, between 2012 and 2014. Kiwifruit (59%), apples (28%) and avocados (5.7%) made up 92% of the value of total fruit exports for the June 2015 year. Over a quarter (27%) of New Zealand fruit exports went to the European Union. Japan (14%) and China (13%) were the other top destinations in 2014/15.
$10 million upgrade for McCain’s Tasmanian potato processing plant The McCain Foods Smithton plant in Circular Head, Northern Tasmania — which processes potatoes for French fries and potato products for the local and interstate markets — is getting a $10 million makeover. Over the next two years, the onsite storage facilities will be upgraded and a new packing line will be installed. McCain Foods will spend an estimated $7.9 million on the on-site storage and $1.6 million on the new packing line. The improved storage facility will hold up to 55,000 tonnes of potato for processing. McCain Foods Australia/New Zealand Agriculture Director John Jackson said the investment in upgrading storage and a new packing line will increase efficiencies and make the plant more sustainable. “While this added investment will i n c r e a s e t h e p l a n t ’s c a p a b i l i t y a n d efficiencies, we still have a number of challenges before us in maintaining the competitiveness of the plant to ensure its long-term survival,” he said. “One of the challenges, in such a competitive market, is maintaining and increasing efficiencies to drive cost reduction. Even in Northern Tasmania, we have to realise that we are competing in a global commodities market. “In addition, rising local water and energy costs impact on the plant’s cost base, reducing its overall profitability against global competitors.”
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www.foodprocessing.com.au
September/October 2015
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