6.28     Tamarillos

6.28.1      Tamarillo industry profile

Since the Tomato Potato Psyllid (TPP) was discovered in 2006, grower numbers dropped from 150 to approximately 40. Volumes reduced from 800 tonnes worth $3.5 million to 250 tonnes valued at $1.3 million. However, production volumes appear to be increasing with 450 tonnes being produced in 2015 and 450 tonnes produced in 2017 worth approximately $2.5 million. Of this $2.5 million the domestic market accounts for approximately $2.4 million and less than 450 tonnes with the balance being exported. Growers now have a better understanding of the pest, and hence maintain improved TPP control and implement effective IPM (Integrated Pest Management) programmes.

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 (NZTGA) and Tamarillo Export Council represent the industry. There have been some recent changes in NZTGA with the Chairperson’s role currently being unfilled. Robyn Wickenden (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) is the secretary of NZTGA. Aaron Davies is the manager of the Tamarillo Export Council.

 6.28.2  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 significantly for this reporting period, with exports decreasing by 45% of 2016 values. With export options limited, 99% of production is consumed on the local market or sold for processing. A number of growers have formed a co-operative (TamCo) to supply fruit for processing into retail ready branded chutney and salad dressing products.

Table 6.28.1: Tamarillo (0810.90.00.40) export markets 2016-18 (year ending June, tonnes and $NZ FOB)

Source: Statistics New Zealand

6.28.3  Barriers to tamarillo exports

Table 6.28.2: Cost of tamarillo tariffs (based on 2018 FOB value)

SPS market access barriers

Australia – Fumigation with methyl bromide is the only approved treatment to manage the risk of Tomato potato psyllids, but phytotoxicity issues can be a problem. Vapourmate ™ (ethyl formate), generally regarded as a safe product, continues to be trialled as a potential replacement for methyl bromide.