Air New Zealand Cargo anticipates it will move 5m kilograms of cargo throughout December and January, with demand for goods from Kiwi exporters including cherries, meat and seafood.
The Auckland-headquartered airline’s general manager of cargo Anne Dunne said there is an exceptional fresh produce market in Aotearoa (Māori language name for New Zealand).
“We love playing a part in helping deliver some of New Zealand’s finest exports to the world, including New Zealand’s much-loved premium lamb and cherries,” said Dunne. “We like to think of ourselves as Santa’s little helpers, with a cargo hold full of seasonal goodies!”
“Exports play such an important role in New Zealand’s economy, driving growth and supporting local communities which is why we work hard to partner with those exporters who have sought-after commodities in international markets.”
Cherries are especially popular in Asia during the weeks leading up to Chinese New Year, a time when they’re considered a symbol of good luck, prosperity, and family unity.
“With 80% of New Zealand’s cherry crop exported during this period, we want to make sure no cherry is left behind,” stressed Dunne.
The airline will support exporters from across New Zealand to move up to 1m kilograms of cherries to key export markets like Taipei, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Japan, as well as smaller shipments to North America. Through partnerships with other airlines, New Zealand’s cherries also make their way to Vietnam.
As well as cherries, Air New Zealand Cargo works with farmers to help deliver New Zealand’s grass-fed meat to key export markets just in time for Christmas.
“Much of the exports have already made their way to markets like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, and Zurich,” said Dunne. “In November alone, we’ve transported around 120,000kgs of lamb and beef, ensuring it can make its way to Christmas dinner plates in December.”
Seafood is also a hot commodity this Christmas with 1.3bn kilograms of seafood annually heading across the Tasman Sea to Australia. Salmon, tuna, and shellfish are some of the delicacies in demand.
Dunne added: “Whether it’s lamb for a roast, cherries for a celebration, or seafood for a summer feast, it’s a privilege to partner with Kiwi exporters to deliver on our purpose of connecting Kiwi and the products they produce to the world.”
