United Fresh has over 30 years of experience supporting and promoting the New Zealand fresh produce industry, working with the entire value chain, from seed producer and grower to consumer, providing leadership on pan- produce issues. Here's some of the latest seasonal news:
Awesome Avocados
New season avocados are looking good in retail, and we are expecting good volumes on the New Zealand market for the year ahead.
The New Zealand market took a record 3.5m trays in 2021-22, over 80 million avocados. Nielsen data reported that 73 percent of Kiwi households now purchase avocados, up from 68 percent the previous year. The industry will look to increase that percentage and encourage those buying avocados to buy more each week. Of the avocado buyers, only 20 percent are what are called avocado lovers, buying more than two avocados a week.
Exporters are getting back into the markets too, seeing customers and assessing supply chains. Export began in late June with small volumes heading up to Asia. Australia retail demand is being filled and exporters are looking to build on the good volumes that went to Asia last year.
New Zealand is proudly hosting the 10th World Avocado Congress in Auckland from 2-5 April 2023. The World Avocado Congress is the most prestigious international avocado event uniting the global avocado community. The congress will showcase New Zealand’s leadership in avocado growing, sustainable environmental practice, beautiful orchards, ethical work treatment and great tasting avocados.
Mushroom Medleys
While New Zealand mushrooms are grown year-round indoors and don’t have a specific season, retailers looking to provide a change to their mushroom displays should explore some of the lesser-known varieties of fungi available from our local growers.
Shiitake mushrooms are commonly used in Japanese cuisine where they provide a rich, textured, and smoky flavour to an array of dishes. They have long been used in traditional tonics and remedies and research shows they play a role in moderating and boosting the immune system, lowering cholesterol, and protecting against heart disease.
Oyster mushrooms are recognised for their long stem, delicate flavour, versatility, and fruity aroma. Usually eaten whole, oyster mushrooms also support cardiovascular health and recent research has identified their potential in the treatment and prevention of breast and colon cancer.
Enoki mushrooms are another Japanese delicacy. Enoki has a sweet, mild flavour and a crisp consistency. Like other mushrooms, they contain a rich variety of nutrients, support cardiovascular health, and can support the body’s immune system.
Super Year for Superb Herbs
2022 marks a milestone for Superb Herb as the business consolidates its two operations under one roof, moving their packroom and dispatch operations to be on the same site as their growing operation located in Parakai, North-West Auckland.
This move means a faster turnaround between packing and delivery, and a better control of its cool chain as the new area is now chilled at a constant 9 degrees. Overall, they have gained an extra day of shelf life, which is key for this busy operation delivering to supermarkets and green grocers nationwide and exporting to Asia.
Their main glasshouses are seas of green basil, mint, and coriander, but you can also spot a few lines of purple basil, marjoram, lemon basil, French tarragon, Vietnamese mint and even angelica.
“Growing 25 different varieties is a labour of love and shows our commitment to all our food lovers out there, big or small, we want you to have access to the freshest, most natural and vibrant flavours nature has given us,” expressed Brigitte de Cabissole, Sales and Marketing Manager at Superb Herb.
“The current shortages in the labour market makes it hard for our favourite herb growers to keep those smaller lines going but their passion is as strong as their flavours so we are hopeful they will keep introducing us to more flavours grown in New Zealand but taking us on a taste journey around the world.”
