NZ Wins Trans-Tasman Apple Battle: ENZA Commentary

The World Trade Organisation has ruled against Australia’s ban on New Zealand apples and said that restrictions on imports of New Zealand apples into Australia should be amended as soon as possible.

New Zealand’s largest grower and exporter of apples and pears, ENZA, is delighted with today’s announcement and sees it as a positive step forward for both New Zealand growers and Australia consumers.

General manager of ENZA, Snow Hardy, commented: “This is not about taking market share away from Australian growers; it’s about growing the market and providing more variety and choice for Australian consumers.

“Currently, Australian apple consumption per capita is half of New Zealand appetites. We believe the ability to export to Australia could be worth in excess of $100 million in the short to medium term once trade restrictions are lifted.”

The ability to move into the Australian market is not quite cut and dried yet however, with the New Zealand Government waiting to hear if an Australian appeal will be launched.

If trade restrictions are lifted, then procedural discussions will take place with Standard Operating Procedures yet to be determined.

Snow Hardy said: “We hope to see a wide range of New Zealand apples on shelf across Australia by 2012 at the latest. This is great news for New Zealand growers.

“New Zealand offers a combination of skilled producers and a wonderful growing environment. We look forward to introducing some of our most popular New Zealand grown apples, such as JAZZ and Pacific Rose apples, to Australian consumers.“