Revisiting the New Zealand apple industry: the impacts of change

Abstract

Purpose

The paper aims to show that in the past decade New Zealand apple growers have experienced a number of significant changes within their industry. It would seem that these changes have encompassed virtually every aspect of their production and the environment within which they operate. Probably the most significant development for growers was the decision to deregulate the industry, an issue which has continued to be at the forefront of much discussion since its implementation in 2001.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper shows that accompanying these changes there has also been a steady decline in industry performance. With many growers now staring in the face of financial ruin, further insight as to how they are being affected by the changing market and how they can be assisted is required to return the New Zealand apple industry to its once prominent position. Thus this paper examines the effects of change on the New Zealand apple industry as perceived by a sample of orchardists from one of the country's most prominent growing regions.

Findings

The paper finds that it has become evident from this research that in the majority of cases, technological improvements have come to the benefit of growers. However, a number of environmental changes (including a world oversupply of fruit, a high foreign exchange rate, etc.) and a significant change in structure are identified by growers as having a significant contribution to the industry's current state of turmoil.

Originality/value

The paper finds that, as a result, respondents appear to be looking back at past sources of competitive advantage (including the development of new varieties, high quality standards, and a united view of the industry) as ways to recover from their current position.

Citation

Dobbs, M. and Rowling, D. (2006), "Revisiting the New Zealand apple industry: the impacts of change", British Food Journal, Vol. 108 No. 7, pp. 574-585. https://doi.org/10.1108/00070700610676389