Hot potatoes reach export high
Thursday, 15 December 2011
The chips are up as New Zealand spuds prove a s-mashing success overseas. New Zealand exports have reached a record high with more than 93,000 tonnes of potatoes – or $100 million worth – sold overseas in the year to June 30, 2011.
Now, Kiwi growers are set to rake in a lot of lettuce; producing more of a feast than a famine. Ron Gall, from Potatoes New Zealand, says increasing demand and a fall in the value of the New Zealand dollar contributed to the record year. “Our export market development projects are crucial to achieving and maintaining industry growth. New Zealand growers and industry partners need to work together to compete internationally to achieve real industry success.” The establishment of the Export Market Development Group in 2009 has also contributed to the increase in exports, helping access Taiwanese and South Korean markets.
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