6.27 Tamarillos
6.27.1 Industry profile
Tamarillo is a subtropical fruit and grown mainly in warmer and sheltered areas of Northland, Auckland, the Bay of Plenty and Hawke’s Bay.
Total planted area is approximately 45 hectares. The number of commercial growers is around 20, a decrease from 150 after the discovery of the tomato potato psyllid (TPP) in 2006. This was reflected in a corresponding reduction in volume from 800 tonnes worth $3.5 million, to 250 tonnes valued at $1.3 million at that time. In 2021, growers sold 414 tonnes through the domestic wholesalers at a value of $3.1 million, and 8 tonnes exported to the USA from two growers at a value of $0.02 million.
Growers continue to implement effective integrated pest management programmes for TPP, although the recent hot summers and mild winters have seen infection rates increase again and the corresponding decrease in growers and volumes.
Tamarillos are a prescribed product under the Horticulture Export Authority Act. The New Zealand Tamarillo Growers Association (NZTGA) and Tamarillo Export Council represent the industry. Due to the smaller number of growers, the chairperson’s role is combined with the secretary role and is undertaken on a volunteer basis. Robyn Wickenden occupies this position. Aaron Davies is the manager of the Tamarillo Export Council.
6.27.2 Exports
Small fluctuating volumes are exported to the USA, the main export market for tamarillos. The volume and value of exports both increased almost 3-fold compared to 2020, although this increase is off a low base. Tamarillos reached an average value of $4,340/tonne in 2022.
Table 6.27.1: Tamarillo (0810.90.00.40) export markets 2020-2022 (year ending June, tonnes, $NZ FOB)
|
Market |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
|||
|
Volume |
Value |
Volume |
Value |
Volume |
Value |
|
|
United States of America |
3 |
17,585 |
8 |
20,045 |
9 |
47,985 |
|
Hong Kong |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0.003 |
76 |
|
Fiji |
0.003 |
27 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Total |
3 |
$17,612 |
8 |
$20,045 |
9 |
$48,061 |
|
% change (yr/yr) |
-84% |
-82% |
139% |
14% |
21% |
140% |
6.27.3 Barriers to export
Table 6.27.2: Cost of tamarillo tariffs (based on 2022 FOB value)
|
Country |
Tariff rate |
Value |
Estimated cost of tariff ($) |
|
United States of America |
2.2% |
47,985 |
1,056 |
|
Hong Kong |
0% |
76 |
0 |
|
Total |
2.2% |
$48,061 |
$1,056 |
SPS market access barriers
Australia. Market access available, but no exports. Fumigation with methyl bromide is the only approved treatment to manage the risk of tomato potato psyllid, but phytotoxicity can be a problem affecting fruit quality and shelf life. This means there are no tamarillo exports to Australia.
USA. A risky market. As there is no approved phytosanitary treatment for pests intercepted during on-arrival inspection of tamarillo the consignment may face reshipment or destruction. Exports to the USA are therefore at higher risk.