Nearly 20 peach orchards in Hawke’s Bay have been told their contracts with food company Wattie’s are ending.
The decision comes as Wattie’s reduces its canned peach production after losing a deal with supermarket brand Pams and facing new competition from overseas suppliers. Many of the affected orchards are still recovering from damage caused by Cyclone Gabrielle.
For growers like Dave Mackie of Cedar Wood Orchard, the news is a hard financial hit. He explained that selling peaches to Wattie’s helped him cover early-season costs before his apples and kiwifruit were ready to harvest. His family has worked with Wattie’s for more than two generations.
Industry leaders say the changes could mean more imported peaches on New Zealand supermarket shelves. Summer Fruit chief executive Dean Smith noted that fruit growing is already a tough business and that losing local buyers makes it even harder.
Wattie’s said the decision was not made lightly. The company explained that sales of New Zealand–grown canned peaches have been dropping, while cheaper imported peaches are becoming more popular.
Despite the changes, Wattie’s says it still supports New Zealand growers and encourages shoppers to choose local fruit. Smith also urged Kiwis to think carefully about where their food comes from and to “vote with their wallet” by supporting homegrown produce.
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