New Zealand growers claim favorable weather in Hawke's Bay has helped produce the rosiest apples in 20 years, website Radionz.co.nz reported.

Pipfruit New Zealand services manager Gary Jones, said colder temperatures had resulted in some of the best-colored apples on record, the story reported

He told Radio New Zealand producing red apples was essential for certain markets such as Asia, which has become increasingly important for the industry.

Jones said most Hawke Bay producers finished picking Royal Gala this weekend, with Jazz set to be the next variety for harvesting, the story reported.

Local packhouses expect to handle just over 10 million cartons of export quality apples, which is 61% of the national crop.

Cooler than normal summer conditions have also left their mark on Nelson apple orchards with later harvesting and smaller export volumes expected.

Pipfruit New Zealand chairman Ian Palmer said the eating quality of this variety was fine.

Related stories: NZ apple forecast defies recent biennial bearing history

Photo: Infoagro.com

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