The first commercial planting of T&G Global’s newest global premium apple variety Joli, began this week at one of T&G’s Hawke’s Bay orchards.
T&G is the global exclusive license holder for growing, marketing and selling the new variety, according to a news release. This initial planting is part of a planned 67 acres T&G will plant on its Hawke’s Bay orchards over the next three years, the release said. An additional 247 acres will be grown under license by independent growers across New Zealand.
Announced in June, Joli is the result of over 10 years of innovation, according to the release. Developed in Aotearoa New Zealand, it’s a productive, large, full-flavored, bright red juicy apple, which appeals to both consumers and growers, the release said.
The first commercial planting marks a significant milestone for Joli, T&G Global’s Chief Executive Gareth Edgecombe said in the release.
“After nearly a decade of working with our partners to develop and trial a high-performing premium variety which grows incredibly well, tastes great, and complements our existing premium portfolio of Envy and Jazz, it’s fantastic to get the first commercial Joli trees in the ground,” Edgecombe said. “The standout quality of this new premium Joli apple, supported by results from consumer sensory research run in global markets, is reflected in the high level of interest we’ve received from Aotearoa New Zealand growers interested in growing this new variety. We look forward to having the Joli apples available for consumers to purchase from 2028 onwards.”
Related: T&G launches premium apple variety
Since its launch, expressions of interest from growers across Aotearoa New Zealand have been sought, with a number of growers now confirmed to receive allocations of Joli tree stock for planting in 2024, according to the release.
Joli is the result of VentureFruit, T&G’s intellectual property management and commercialization business, working closely with innovation company Prevar and Plant & Food Research in New Zealand, who work in collaboration on the world-renowned apple and pear breeding program, to deliver new varieties that meet both current and future market opportunities, the release said.
T&G said its next round of expressions of interest for Joli plantings in New Zealand will open mid-year in 2024.
International growers are also encouraged to explore opportunities to grow the new variety as tree stock becomes available over the next five to six years, according to the release. Contact growingenquiries@tandg.global for more information.
Learn: More about apples from PMG
