The annual apple and pear crop is forecast to pip last year's total.

New Zealand Apples & Pears estimates export volume at 21.2 million boxes, a rebound from the 2023 Cyclone Gabrielle-ravaged total.

It's also a return to pre-cyclone levels.

CEO Karen Morrish says there are several factors behind the recovery, including cyclone-damaged crops bouncing back.

She says it's also down to a lot of hard work from growers, coupled with favourable weather.

LISTEN ABOVE

The annual apple and pear crop is forecast to pip last year's total. 
New Zealand Apples &amp; Pears estimates export volume at 21.2 million boxes, a rebound from the 2023 Cyclone Gabrielle-ravaged total. 
It's also a return to pre-cyclone levels. 
CEO Karen Morrish says there are several factors behind the recovery, including cyclone-damaged crops bouncing back. 
She says it's also down to a lot of hard work from growers, coupled with favourable weather. 
LISTEN ABOVE

A fresh and intelligent start to your day - catch the very latest international and domestic news developments, sport, entertainment and business on Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, on Newstalk ZB.

A fresh and intelligent start to your day - catch the very latest international and domestic news developments, sport, entertainment and business on Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, on Newstalk ZB.