"We've got the people from Port Otago here to prepare them a bit. With doubling our volume we're going to need to make sure they provide us with containers on time."
The industry was now exporting mainly to Asia, which meant storing more apples.
"We're now 60% to 70% in that market, which is good, because they pay good prices. But they will want to put a variety on the shelves 12 months a year."
This meant moving towards varieties like Jazz apples, which stored well, and technology which kept the fruit in good condition for longer, he said.
"The region needs to spend $20million in the next five years just on logistics - upgrading packhouses, building more coolstores."
The shortage of forklift drivers was a "big issue", he said.
Orchardist Con van der Voort, whose operation produces more than 600,000 18kg cartons a year, said the industry relied on foreign workers.
"If it wasn't for the people from overseas, I would have to close the gates. We look after their accommodation. I've got several houses I've got people in."
Orchardists could really plan only one year ahead, he said.
"People always talk about planning 10 years ahead, but the thing we don't know is how the market goes."
Despite this, Mr Van der Voort expanded his operation this year by planting 27,000 trees at Earnscleugh, near Alexandra.
Health and safety regulations were a major obstacle in the industry, he said.
"The big challenge is controls and controls and controls. We can easily do without the bulk of them.
"We're getting more and more regulation over time."
Port Otago customer service co-ordinator Trish Reid said providing enough containers in the future would be a challenge, but the port always met demand.
"It's nice to know in advance."
