New Zealand Cherry Corp is one of the leading premium cherry producers and exporters in New Zealand, located in Cromwell, Central Otago—a region globally recognized for producing some of the world’s finest cherries. With a fully integrated supply chain that includes orchard management, packhouse operations, and global distribution, the company is committed to delivering consistent quality and freshness to premium markets worldwide.
Core Business and Offerings
New Zealand Cherry Corp specializes in:
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Fresh Cherry Production:
- Cultivates over 200 hectares of cherries under climate-controlled, netted orchards.
- Harvest season spans from mid-December through early February, covering peak global demand during the Chinese New Year period.
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Cherry Varieties:
- Produces several high-quality cherry varieties, carefully selected for firmness, flavor, and size. Specific cultivar names are not publicly listed but are bred for premium export-grade characteristics.
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Packaged Cherry Exports:
- Offers a range of branded packaging formats:
- 1 kg
- 1.5 kg round boxes
- 2 kg
- 5 kg flat-lay export boxes
- Temperature-controlled packing within 1 hour of harvest using advanced hydro-cooling and grading systems.
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Branded Cherry Lines:
- Red Envy
- Cherry Delight
- Kiwi Delight
- Red Sensation
These consumer-focused sub-brands allow tailored offerings to suit varying export markets and buyer preferences.
Specialization and Unique Strengths
- Location Advantage: Cromwell, Central Otago provides a cool climate with intense sunlight and low humidity—ideal for cherry cultivation, resulting in high sugar content and firm texture.
- High-Tech Orchard Management: Trees are grown under retractable netting systems to protect against weather and birds while controlling sun exposure.
- Packhouse Automation: Fully automated grading lines with size, defect, and weight sorting technologies.
- Speed-to-Market: Harvested cherries are cooled and packed within 1 hour and shipped to destination markets within 72 hours.
- Food Safety Compliance: Holds GlobalG.A.P. certification and adheres to stringent hygiene and traceability systems.
Financial and Export Performance
While exact revenue figures are not publicly disclosed, New Zealand Cherry Corp is one of the country’s top cherry exporters. Based on sector performance:
- New Zealand Cherry Industry Export Value: NZD $87.6 million (2023 season)
- Market Reach: Cherries exported to China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and the Middle East.
- Export Volume: Estimated in the range of 500–800 tonnes per season from company-managed orchards.
Target Market
New Zealand Cherry Corp targets high-end markets with strong demand for premium fruit:
- Luxury Retail Chains and Supermarkets
- Fruit Importers and Distributors
- E-commerce Platforms in Asia
- Corporate Gift Buyers (Chinese New Year promotions)
- Wholesale Market Operators
Their packaging, branding, and logistics are designed to meet the expectations of discerning global buyers.
Capabilities
- Vertical Integration: Full control from orchard to international delivery.
- Cold Chain Management: Temperature-controlled logistics with real-time monitoring from packhouse to overseas distribution hubs.
- Bespoke Packaging Solutions: Customization available for gifting, e-commerce, or retail.
- Multilingual Customer Service: Supports international buyers with Mandarin- and English-speaking export staff.
Certifications and Compliance
- GlobalG.A.P. Certified Orchards
- HACCP-Compliant Packhouse Operations
- NZ Horticulture Export Authority Registered Exporter
- Maturity and Residue Testing in accordance with New Zealand MPI standards
These certifications ensure food safety, pesticide compliance, and traceability for all export shipments.
Customer Testimonials
While specific testimonials are not published on public platforms, the company’s recurring brand presence in Asia during festive retail periods and features in Chinese media indicate strong brand recognition and buyer satisfaction.
Recognitions and Achievements
- Official Cherry Supplier to Lunar New Year Retail Promotions in China and Southeast Asia
- Pioneers in Climate-Controlled Orchard Protection in NZ
- Multiple Appearances in Trade Journals such as Asiafruit and FreshPlaza
- Partnerships with Airlines and Luxury Retailers for seasonal promotions and gift boxes