Exploring the Export of Feijoas from New Zealand

One of the unique fruits that New Zealand is known for is the feijoa, also often referred to as the pineapple guava. Feijoas are not only a delightful fruit with a sweet and tangy flavor, but they also have a growing demand internationally. This article will delve into the export of feijoas from New Zealand, their growing regions, and the challenges faced by the industry.

Introduction to Feijoas in New Zealand

New Zealand has established a reputation for exporting high-quality agricultural produce worldwide. One of the more unique and special fruits exported from this country is the feijoa. Particularly, regions like Hawkes Bay and Bay of Plenty thrive in growing these fruits. These areas have ideal climatic conditions for feijoas, which helps in making them more attractive to consumers in other parts of the world. Feijoas are frequently seen in New Zealand supermarkets and are exported to various markets, including Australia and parts of Asia. As the demand for this unique fruit continues to grow internationally, the export has increased significantly over recent years.

Feijoas in Other Regions

Interestingly, when the author was living in Toronto, feijoas appeared occasionally in the local supermarkets. However, they were often imported from South America. Toronto, like many other cities, has limited local availability, which leads to low consumption of this fruit. This is partly attributed to the shorter shelf life of feijoas as compared to other fruits like kiwifruits. The delicate nature of feijoa means they often do not look fresh and appealing to buyers, leading to lower sales.

Feijoa Industry in New Zealand

Although some export takes place, the majority of the consumption of locally grown feijoas happens within New Zealand. The seasonal availability of feijoas poses a challenge, as the harvest period is relatively short. Currently, New Zealand exports around half a million dollars worth of feijoas annually. There is potential to increase this number with the right marketing strategies and improvements in storage techniques, enhancing the shelf life of the fruit, and ensuring consistent supply throughout the year.

Challenges and Current State

Experts in the feijoa industry in New Zealand have mentioned that one of the main challenges is maintaining a steady supply of fresh feijoas. The fruit does not have a long shelf life and ripens quickly, making it difficult to transport and store. In addition, the industry is still developing, and there are ongoing efforts to improve the cultivation and storage techniques to enhance the export potential of this fruit.

Future Prospects and Marketing Push

Given the growing international demand for feijoas and the potential of the fruit, there may be a need for a marketing push to increase awareness of the unique benefits of feijoas. This could include highlighting the health benefits of the fruit, its versatility in culinary uses, and the efforts being made to improve the industry. With the right strategies and improvements in technology and storage, the future looks promising for the export of feijoas from New Zealand.