6.17      Persimmons

6.17.1      Persimmon industry profile

In 2016 the export industry consisted of 50 growers, 8 packhouses and 8 licensed exporters. The growing regions are Gisborne, North and South Auckland, Northland, Waikato, and a small amount from Bay of Plenty. The main variety grown and exported is Fuyu which is a non-astringent variety. The persimmon season runs from late April to July, and improved knowledge of persimmon storage has seen the export sales window extend into August. Advancements have been made in storage and shelf life. Initially dependent on high-cost airfreight to export markets for nearly 60% of exports, improved stock management and newer practises have in recent years lengthened storage and shelf life enabling more cost-efficient sea freight to be the chosen option for approximately 70% of exports.

Persimmons are a prescribed product under the New Zealand Horticulture Export Authority. The Persimmon Industry Council Inc. is the industry representative body (Manager – Ian Turk, www.nzpersimmons.org.nz) and manages the export persimmon industry.

Source: FreshFacts 2015

6.17.2  Persimmon exports

Exports have remained relatively static over the past two years with values settling between $7-$8 million. Australia and Thailand are the main markets taking 54-60% of total exports.  As has been noted in previous editions of this report the volume of fruit sent to individual markets varies from year to year as dictated by fruit standards (e.g. fruit size) as well as local conditions. 

Table 6.17.1: Persimmon (0810.70.00.00, 0810.90.00.60) export markets 2014-16 (year ending June, tonnes and $NZ FOB)

Source: Statistics New Zealand