6.25     Tamarillos

6.25.1      Tamarillo industry profile

Since the Tomato Potato Psyllid (TPP) was discovered in 2006, grower numbers dropped from 150 to approximately 40 in 2011, and volumes reduced from 800 tonnes worth $3.5 million to 250 tonnes valued at $1.3 million. The Industry appears to have stabilised with 2015 volumes of 450 tonnes. Growers now have a better understanding of the pest, and hence maintain improved TPP control and implement effective IPM programs.

Being a subtropical fruit, Tamarillo is grown mainly in warmer and sheltered areas of Northland, Auckland, BOP and Hawkes Bay.

Tamarillos are a prescribed product under the HEA Act. The New Zealand Tamarillo Growers Association and Tamarillo Export Council represent the industry. Contacts for both The New Zealand Tamarillo Growers Association and Tamarillo Export Council –Robin Nitschke (Chairman / Manager) This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

6.25.2  Tamarillo exports

New Zealand is one of only three countries to grow tamarillos commercially, the others being Colombia and Australia. Due to this lack of an international industry and subsequent lack of knowledge of the fruit there are relatively few barriers to trade, and very few countries specifically refer to tamarillos in their tariff schedules – they generally fall into the “other” section of the tariff code 0810.90.  In the USA tamarillos are part of the "exotic feature fruit" segment. 

The United States of America continues to be the main export market for tamarillos. Exports have declined for this reporting period, with export to Australia and Thailand falling back to zero, a trend seen in 2012.

Table 6.25.1: Tamarillo (0810.90.00.40) export markets 2014-16 (year ending June, tonnes and $NZ FOB)

Source: Statistics New Zealand