One of the country's top apple exporters is worried the industry could suffer because of a lack of people willing to pick fruit.

Hawke's Bay grower and exporter Bostock is currently short of about 200 pickers.

An open day recently helped uncover 50 or so people who are interested in the work.

Operations manager Craig Treneman said it's been the most difficult year to date for finding staff.

"Starting in November, and we only just got enough people, we worked seven days a week to get the job done on time and it's just getting more and more difficult every year."

Mr Treneman said the company is in a position to expand, but can't without more pickers.