New Zealand's stellar growing season is proving why this country is the best place in the world to grow apples.
Harvesting the 2017 record apple crop has been in full swing with orchards across New Zealand's apple-growing regions a picture of red and green trees laden with fruit boasting in size, crispness, quality and flavour.
Pipfruit New Zealand chief executive Alan Pollard says it has been an excellent growing season producing fruit of intense colour and sweetness.
"When you bite into a New Zealand apple this season you will quickly know why we are the best place in the world to grow apples - for both our international customers and back home.
"Mother Nature has given us pitch perfect conditions. With recent rain followed by a combination of lots of sunshine hours and cooler mornings set in our oceanic climate, the apples are radiating in colour and are eating superbly," Mr Pollard said.