Good start anticipated to NZ Cox season The New Zealand apple season got under way this week with the arrival of the first Cox. Major importer Worldwide Fruits said its volume available would be less than the 400,000 cartons it sold last season in the UK due to deregulation and the crop being lighter. There has also been more indication of russet, although Drew Reynolds, technical director for Enza, was happy with the quality of fruit on arrival. "In general, Cox has a good blush. Fruit pressure and eating quality have been good so we anticipate a good start." Currently retailers are selling the variety at between £1.29 and £1.49 kg. Worldwide Fruit's decision to maintain the storage facility at Faversham is to ensure the handover from northern hemisphere Cox to southern hemisphere is seamlessly managed. The storage facility will also provide greater flexibility in serving the needs of major retail customers John Guest (l) technical drector Qualytech and Andrew Russell (r) quality technologist inspect fruit on arrival at Bysing Wood. {{FRESH PRODUCE }}