Cherries are ripening early in parts of the country this year, but the industry says there will still be plenty on the table by Christmas Day.
Summer Fruit NZ chief executive Dean Smith told Seven Sharp warm, settled weather had given some regions a head start, particularly Central Otago.
"We've seen quite an early start in some regions, especially in Central Otago. They've had some quite warm, settled weather there, which has got them out of the blocks," he said.
"Other regions probably more typical, but certainly we've had a promising start to the season."
The problem facing one of New Zealand's favourite festive fruit - Watch on TVNZ+
Some growers think this year's El Niño may be helping, with warm conditions ideal for summer fruit.
Smith said some cherries were already reaching shops, and volumes would build between now and Christmas.
He reassured fans that an early start wouldn't leave the country cherryless in late December.
"There will always be New Zealand cherries on the table for Christmas. Absolutely," he said.
Warm, settled weather has brought forward picking in parts of the country, but growers say there will still be plenty of New Zealand cherries to enjoy on Christmas Day. (Source: Seven Sharp)
"We've got three key regions that supply our cherries, and we've also got a range of different varieties as well. So whilst they all mature at different times, there'll definitely be cherries on the table for the New Zealand Christmas."
He said it was too early to say whether the season would bring a bumper crop or bigger fruit.
"It's kind of, I guess, in some ways like the New Zealand election, a little bit too soon to say," he said.
"Settled warm weather is definitely favourable for cherries, but there are a lot of other variables as well that go into it."
Prized overseas
Smith said growers were "quietly optimistic" about the export season. New Zealand cherries hold a premium position overseas, particularly in Asia.
"I don't know that sometimes Kiwis realise how fortunate we are to have access to New Zealand cherries," he said.
"They've got an amazing texture. They're firm. They've got an exceptional purity. I think in some ways cherries, perhaps unlike any other fruit, really do express where they come from."
His favourite way to eat them?
"From a very large bowl, because if I'm eating cherries, once I get started, I want another one."
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