New Zealand

Envy Apples Shifting to Southern Hemisphere Sources

Mon, 28 Jul 2025 18:49:57 GMT

Oppy announced a new crop of Envy apples is coming from New Zealand at the beginning of August, then crops will begin coming from Chile and South Africa in the following weeks. This Southern Hemisphere sourcing will ensure a seamless transition from the Washington season and an uninterrupted supply of one of the most popular apple varieties, the company says.

“Strategic alignment with our international partners has enabled us to execute a smooth and efficient transition between growing regions,” says Roger Aguirre, director of apples and pears. “Oppy has marketed New Zealand products since the 1950s. These decades of connectedness have positioned us as a trusted bridge to the Kiwi nation’s premium pipfruit in the North American market.”

Piers Hanbury, executive director of apples, pears and category development, says: “The transition this year has been especially smooth. From growing conditions to logistics, the Southern Hemisphere crop positions us to keep pace with growing demand. Envy continues to outperform other proprietary varieties, and we’re well prepared to support retail programs all summer long.”

Demand for Envy apples continues to rise, the company says, with two in five Envy shoppers being new to the variety within the past year. Consumers are highly engaged, spending 1.8 times more than the average apple shopper, and loyal, with units per trip ranking second among all branded apples.

Hanbury notes, “Everything is in place to ensure no gaps in availability, providing our retail partners with consistent supply and shoppers with the crisp, sweet Envy experience they expect.”

Oppy says its marketing support and countrywide supply chain ensure a reliable source of Envy apples year-round to retail partners. It also offers a wide range of fresh apple varieties including Jazz, ambrosia, braeburn, Smitten, royal gala, fuji, granny smith and Pink Lady.

“Our year-round program is built on the foundation of delivering the very best eating experience, and it’s what our retail partners can continue to count on from Oppy,” Aguirre says.

Kissabel apples progressing into Southern Hemisphere

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 13:01:18 GMT

Kissabel says it is expanding its range of apples with flesh that varies from pink to intense red into the Southern Hemisphere. Development continues in Australia, Argentina, Chile, New Zealand and South Africa thanks to IFORED program partners in these countries, according to the company.

“Kissabel is fortunate to be able to count on high-calibre international partners,” Emmanuel de Lapparent, head of the IFORED program, said in a news release. “Producers in the Southern Hemisphere are focused on testing the different varieties in their respective climates and markets. In terms of increasing the availability of our range on the global market, we are definitely heading in the right direction.”

Australia is at the most advanced stage of development, according to the company. The growers of Montague Farms in Australia have begun the harvest, which will involve yellow skin and pink flesh varieties, and varieties with both red skin and flesh.

Though marketing is still at the early stages in terms of volumes, Montague Farms is investing in the growth of the brand, according to the release. Kissabel made an appearance on “Sunrise,” one of Australia’s most popular morning television shows. It was also a hit at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show, according to the company, which added that the apple was sampled to over 50,000 people and that TV presenter and author Alice Zaslavsky hosted a sold-out Kissabel cooking demonstration at the show.

Kissabel said it plans for future sampling events involving influencers and food outlets.

“The goal is to construct a strong brand, so we are ready to increase volumes in the next few years,” said Michelle Hau, marketing manager of Montague Farms. “We are particularly interested in young foodies, the perfect target audience for an innovation product like Kissabel.”

Kissabel is also making progress in South America thanks to the work of partners Moño Azul in Argentina and Unifrutti in Chile, the company said.

“The main objective this season is to confirm which varieties adapt best to our land so we can open new commercial plantations,” said Marcelo Galardini, sales director of Moño Azul. “In the meantime, we will begin promoting Kissabel apples on the local market to raise their profile among our customers.”

Argentinean production is mainly focused on the varieties with red flesh and skin. This is also the main variety in Chile, where different cultivars are currently being tested, according to the release.

“This season we will send product samples to one of our customers in Brazil with the aim of expanding commercial production,” said Cristian Matte, commercial manager of Unifrutti Chile.

Dutoit Group of South Africa began planting its first semi-commercial orchards in 2023, focusing on red skin and red flesh varieties and achieved this year its first harvest of Kissabel apples.

“We are very excited about the quality of the harvest: the apples developed an intense and vibrant red color, especially in warmer regions. A pleasant surprise was the change in texture when apples reached maturity, also allowing the flavor to fully develop. This result was met with great enthusiasm by both our marketing team and local retailers,” said Willie Cotze, technical manager at Dutoit.

“We will be introducing Kissabel apples to a group of local media, influencers and retail customers to test the visual and tasting experience of this unique product,” he added.

The testing phase is also currently underway in New Zealand with the partner Yummy Fruit, according to the release.

Zespri forecasts strong returns for 2024-25 kiwifruit season

Wed, 21 Aug 2024 15:37:35 GMT

Zespri has released its first full forecast for the 2024-25 kiwifruit season, with forecast per hectare returns up from last season for all categories, according to a news release.

The report predicts record levels for green and organic green.

The full forecast follows the indicative ranges released in June for per tray and per hectare returns, the release said. In its August forecast of the 2024-25 marketing year, Zespri predicts a return of $7.80 per tray for Zespri green, $11.10 for Zespri organic green, $10.68 for Zespri SunGold, $13.45 for Zespri organic SunGold and $16.74 for Zespri RubyRed.

Zespri CEO Jason Te Brake said the latest forecast reflects both the strong season start and the competition seen more recently in markets, including from summer fruit.

“The industry put a lot of work into getting off to a really strong start to the season to meet early season demand and that’s set us up well in a year where we have a lot more fruit to sell,” Te Brake said in the release. “Although strong competition is always challenging around this time of the year, we’re already seeing signs that this fruit is moving off shelves and we expect this trend to continue over the next few weeks. The fact we’re on track for a strong lift in per hectare returns across all varieties this season, and record returns for green and organic green growers, is a testament to the hard work the industry has put in following a really challenging period.”

With a total crop of more than 190 million trays to sell, Zespri was focused on finishing the second half of the season strongly, Te Brake said.

“This season’s improved growing conditions have meant grower yields have increased and we’ve got a lot more fruit to sell,” he said. “But quality and demand are strong, and we’re well placed to deliver a strong result to growers.”

In-market campaigns will also support consumer demand and maximize grower returns, he added.

Increasing competition reinforced the importance of Zespri’s global supply strategy, set up by growers more than 20 years ago, Te Brake said. The strategy involves Zespri working with offshore growers in Italy, France, Japan, Korea and Greece to provide kiwifruit for 12 months of the year, allowing Zespri to have counter-seasonal supply in place to complement the New Zealand season and drive value for New Zealand growers, he said.

With the maximum 5,000 hectares of offshore SunGold plantings now allocated and the gap between supply and demand growing, the industry is discussing the potential expansion of its Zespri’s global supply program to protect value for the industry, the release said.

“The next stage of these conversations over the coming months will look at what a potential expansion of our [Zespri global supply] program might look like, as we make a decision as an industry on how ZGS can continue to deliver value for our industry,” Te Brake said.

Zespri says it is now seeking industry feedback on potentially expanding the current 5,000-hectare cap by up to 420 additional hectares of SunGold kiwifruit per year over six years across Italy, France, Japan, South Korea and Greece. Depending on the nature of those conversations over the next few months, Zespri may consider formally seeking grower support for expanding the Zespri global supply program via a producer vote, which would require 75% support to proceed, the release said.

Zespri tackles how to future-proof kiwis for a changing climate

Thu, 01 Dec 2022 19:36:15 GMT

Zespri has released its first-ever climate change adaptation plan outlining how the kiwifruit industry intends to adjust to a changing climate in New Zealand and offshore growing locations.

Developed in consultation with growers and the wider kiwifruit industry, the plan document — Adapting to Thrive in a Changing Climate — establishes a framework for the industry’s long-term strategy. The plan is a follow-up to Zespri’s Climate Change Risks and Opportunities Report, published in 2021, according to a news release.

“We know the climate is changing which brings challenges and opportunities for our industry and its important that we look at how we can ensure the kiwifruit industry remains climate resilient,” Zespri Chief Grower, Industry and Sustainability Officer Carol Ward said in the release.

Further, she said the plan reflects Zespri’s ongoing commitment toward transitioning to a low-carbon, climate-resilient future.

“Adaptation will be critical to our ability to provide our customers and consumers with great fruit from both our New Zealand and Northern Hemisphere supply in the years ahead, and to protect and enhance the value we’re returning to our growers and communities,” Ward said in the release.

In the plan, Zespri commits to acting not only to reduce the affect the kiwifruit industry has on the climate, but also to prepare for the effects climate change will inevitably have on growing kiwifruit, according to the release.

“Our industry is already experiencing and responding to climate change, with growers adjusting their growing practices in order to maintain and increase yields in light of the changing climate,” Ward said in the release. “This can be seen in the installation by growers of hail netting, the development and maintenance of shelter belts to help protect orchards from severe wind events and the use of irrigation to prevent vines from experiencing water stress or frost, with post-harvest facilities also adjusting the packing of fruit in light of warmer temperatures.”

The road map identifies the physical climate change risks the kiwifruit industry is likely to experience from orchards through the supply chain and across the packing, transportation and distribution of fruit. Additionally, Zespri’s plan considers transitional risks such as market and regulatory changes, which include factors such as emissions pricing, environmental labeling and changing consumer preferences.

“There’s a lot of work to undertake, but by coordinating our efforts as an industry we’ll be more effective and efficient, putting us in the best position to thrive as the climate continues to change,” Ward said in the release.

New Zealand invests nearly $30M in agri-tech

Tue, 23 May 2023 13:47:46 GMT

The New Zealand government recently developed and funded the Horticulture Technology Catalyst initiative to grow the size and impact of the country’s agri-tech business.

The initiative of 29.9 million New Zealand dollars aims to empower New Zealand agricultural companies to collaborate, provide services and support to the growing ag sector, as well as capitalize on global opportunities that will fuel investments to solve challenges, according to a news release.

“New Zealand’s future will be limited if we just focus on the production of more food. Further prosperity will only come from commercialising the technology, systems and intellectual property that are not bound by the same constraints as our food systems. This is the double benefit of exporting our fruit and our technology too,” AgriTech New Zealand Chief Executive Brendan O’Connell said in a news release.

This New Zealand government Wellbeing Budget measure provides much needed support that will drive higher paying jobs and new export revenues in the horticulture sector, O’Connell added.

Related news: The first New Zealand apples head for international markets

New Zealand’s current ecosystem of horticulture technology skills covers growers, technology innovators, researchers and investors. In addition to the food brands having global impact — such as Zespri, Rockit, Jazz, Enza and Miro — there are a growing number of technology brands forging the New Zealand reputation in global horticulture. These companies include Bluelab, Robotics Plus, Hectre, WayBeyond, Cropsy and Croptide, according to the release.

“This NZD $29.9million initiative will accelerate the development and adoption of technologies in horticultural and both position the sector for new levels of sustainable productivity and create a proving ground for the export of new technologies,” O’Connell said in the release. “Taking this globally focused approach to the development and proof of horticultural technologies in New Zealand justifies the levels of investment required to solve some of the biggest challenges faced by the sector. New Zealand can be both an originator and first adopter of great technologies, but unless they are focused on global application they will be undercooked and uncompetitive.”

According to the release, international figures estimate the automated harvesting of a crop requires approximately $100 million in research and development funding, per crop type. Harvesting is just one challenge, highlighting the need to ensure appropriate levels of capital are raised to grow globally relevant technology solutions in New Zealand.

Zespri sees dollar and volume gains

Tue, 06 Feb 2024 14:49:09 GMT

Zespri says it ended the 2023 season as the top-selling kiwi brand for the fourth straight year.

Zespri’s SunGold has generated double-digit growth in both dollars and volume helping to solidify the top brand position, according to a news release. The marketer said it has helped propel the kiwi category, outpacing the total fruit department growth rate by more than 7 points.

“Ending the season with positive sales results is always rewarding,” Darren LaMothe, Zespri’s general manager of North America, said in the release. “Our success is attributed in part to our distributors and retail partners, and we would like to thank them for a successful season as we look forward to planning the new season in May.”

The synergy between Zespri’s marketing efforts and in-store placement helped drive retail sales of Zespri’s SunGold Kiwi, the release said. Zespri said its “Taste the Obsession” consumer campaign generated over 1 billion impressions and distributed 2.5 million samples igniting trial for the fruit.

Additionally, retailers built prominent merchandising displays with placement in the produce department, according to the release. Retailers continued to see strong sales increases with these in-store displays, which resulted in an increase of $6 million in sales compared to a year ago, Zespri said.

Prospects are good for the coming season, the release said.

“It’s been a positive growing season so far with great weather conditions and we’re expecting a good yield and a great-tasting crop this year,” Zespri growers Jeff and Shirley Roderick said in the release.

Zespri said it is planning a new consumer marketing campaign and merchandising opportunities to start another new season off strong and fuel its purposeful growth.

“We are eager to work with retailers to build customized programs introducing shoppers to the kiwi category and continually drive incremental sales for the department,” LaMothe said in the release.

Zespri encourages retailers to reach out to account managers now to start developing plans for the new season, which begins in May, the release said.

New Zealand kiwi season kicks off with first shipment heading to Japan

Mon, 20 Mar 2023 16:15:51 GMT

The first shipment of the 2023 New Zealand kiwifruit season has departed the Port of Tauranga carrying around 2,500 tons (more than 600,000 trays) of Zespri SunGold kiwifruit to customers in Japan.

The Southampton Star is the first of 53 charter vessels Zespri will use this season to deliver around 145 million trays of green, SunGold and RubyRed kiwifruit to more than 50 countries this season. The vessel is expected to reach Tokyo in early April before sailing onto Kobe, Japan, according to a news release.

Charter vessels will be responsible for delivering around 72 million trays of this season’s New Zealand-grown fruit to Zespri’s global consumers. This season’s charter program includes two vessel services to the West Coast in the U.S., three services to northern Europe, seven to the Mediterranean and 41 to Asia. An additional 73 million trays of kiwifruit will be shipped using container services, according to the release.

“Demand for our fruit remains strong, and with this season’s harvest ramping up over the coming weeks, we’ll soon move into main pack where the bulk of our fruit is harvested,” Zespri acting Chief Global Supply Officer Jason Te Brake said in the release. “It’s a proud moment seeing the first ship taking our fruit to customers and consumers but especially this year given it’s been such a challenging start to the year for some of our growers.”

Related news: Zespri to launch new campaign, merchandising displays at SEPC

Te Brake added that after a challenging 2022 and a tough start to 2023 because of adverse weather events, the start of the new season represented a reset for the industry.

What’s more, lower fruit volumes and having more labor available this season provides an opportunity for the industry to focus on improving fruit quality, which will play a key role in returning more value to growers and communities, Te Brake said in the release.

“The industry’s Quality Action Plan was launched in October last year and has seen significant collaboration throughout the entire industry to ensure we deliver great quality fruit for our customers and consumers in the 2023 season, as well as in the years ahead,” Te Brake said in the release. “That starts with ensuring that we’re doing everything we can to have a great harvest and looking after the fruit throughout the supply chain.”

One of the key principles within the Quality Action Plan, according to the release, is assessing fruit flow decision-making from end-to-end.

“While Covid-19 caused significant shipping disruption in recent years, we’re expecting a more stable shipping environment this season, with better transit times delivering fruit to markets,” Te Brake said in the release. “With our first charter vessel now on the way to market, we’re looking forward to our shipping program ramping up in the weeks ahead and continuing to work with our shipping partners to provide consistently high-quality Zespri Kiwifruit for our customers and consumers to enjoy this season.”

Zespri opens global hub in Singapore with fanfare

Wed, 25 Oct 2023 14:02:03 GMT

Zespri has recently officially opened its new Centre of Sales and Marketing Excellence in Singapore. First established in 2015, the facility is a vital hub for Zespri’s markets, as well as for connecting markets with growers in New Zealand and offshore, according to a news release.

The new office was completed in late 2020 but COVID-19 and associated travel restrictions in recent years delayed an official opening until now. Zespri CEO Dan Mathieson says the Singapore hub plays a critical role in Zespri’s ability to return value back to growers and communities.

“Our Centre of Sales and Marketing Excellence is the gateway to all of our major markets and the heartbeat of our sales and marketing strategy, supporting our 17 offices around the world, and it was brilliant we could have our growers join us for this important event after the extended COVID-enforced delay,” Mathieson said in the release.

New Zealand High Commissioner to Singapore Gabrielle Rush and New Zealand Trade Commissioner Maggie Christie attended the opening, along with around 60 growers from New Zealand as part of the first industry tour since COVID-19, which included visits orchards, packhouses and key markets in Europe, the release said.

Tauranga Moana Kaumatua Turi Ngatai blessed the office and bestowed a traditional Māori carving which symbolizes the connection to Zespri’s roots in the Bay of Plenty, where the majority of Zespri kiwifruit is grown. The office features several collaboration spaces and a base camp area where the New Zealand kiwifruit industry’s history is on display, with a mural demonstrating the connection between New Zealand and Singapore, where Zespri has been selling kiwifruit for more than 30 years, according to the release.

“The hub has been pivotal in the ongoing strengthening of our brand, including the global roll-out of our successful KiwiBrothers campaigns, which has helped us grow demand and attract new consumers, and we’re looking forward to this continuing in the years ahead,” Mathieson said.

Mathieson says Zespri had been able to recruit several sales and marketing experts from the fast-moving consumer goods sector as it continued to invest in strengthening the way it sells kiwifruit and the Zespri brand.

“The hub and the people we’ve been able to attract has been pivotal in accelerating our growth over the past eight years, including changing the way we partner with our distributors and retailers, which has enabled us to return more value back to our industry,” he said. “Our sales and marketing programs have been a key driver of value creation in the category which has seen Zespri’s total global kiwifruit sales increase from $1.9 billion in 2015-16 to $3.92 billion last year.”

Māori Kiwifruit Growers Inc. grower Geoff Rolleston attended the opening and said the event reinforced and celebrated the important cultural connections between Māori, New Zealand growers and the Zespri teams, which are truly multicultural.

“The sharing of culture strengthens the partnerships and connection and it’s these long-term relationships that underpin the success of the industry and the connection to people and communities,” Rolleston said in the release.

Bay of Plenty kiwifruit grower Ray Sharp said in the release that it’s important for growers to see the work that takes place across the markets to bring kiwifruit and the Zespri brand to life for consumers and customers. The Centre of Sales and Marketing Excellence now plays a leading role with some very talented people, he added.

Envy apples nearly sold out in Washington

Fri, 28 Jun 2024 12:15:04 GMT

Envy apples are transitioning to new-season fresh imports, primarily from New Zealand, over the coming weeks.

The most recent U.S.-grown premium Envy apple crop sold out in record time, Vince Lopes, senior vice president of U.S. sales and marketing for T&G Global, said in the release.

“This has been one of our most successful seasons to date despite the significant increase of Envy volume over and above prior season,” Lopes said. “It’s a testament to the excellent quality produced by a distinctly chosen group of Washington growers, and U.S. consumers seeking Envy apples out for their highly popular balance of sweetness, texture and aroma. Simply put, one apple has it all.”

The success reinforces that Envy apples are preferred by shoppers, especially in a year when the entire Washington apple season crop increased over 30% in total production, the release said.

“Our fresh harvest import crop is just starting to arrive now,” said Lopes, who oversees the Envy apples brand in the U.S. “With an impeccable blend of sweetness, crispness and aroma, Envy apples are not only ideal to savor on their own, but they are also perfect for all baking applications, including delicious Fourth of July apple pies. We also offer an array of fresh recipes designed with summer delights in mind on our website and other digital communications.”

Among the recommended recipes for the season are Envy Apple Glow Up Salad, Sparkling Envy Water, and Smoky Bourbon Grilled Envy Apples with Brown Sugar Glaze. Because Envy apple slices remain naturally white for longer, they are also ideal for summer charcuterie spreads and recipes like this Elegant Envy Apple Cheese Board, the release said.

Envy apples remained the bestselling premium apple brand for the past 52 weeks ending on May 18, 2024, according to Nielsen.

Final shipments of Zespri’s 2023 kiwifruit season set sail

Fri, 22 Sep 2023 17:27:36 GMT

About 782 tons of Zespri SunGold and 3,621 tons of Zespri Green kiwifruit have departed on the Discovery Bay ship — the final installments of Zespri’s kiwifruit season — and are expected to reach Tokyo in early October.

After Tokyo, the shipment will sail on to Kobe, Japan, and then to South Korea, according to a news release.

Zespri Chief Operating Officer Jason Te Brake says there’s been a huge effort across the industry to deliver this season’s lower crop volume to customers in more than 50 countries around the world this season.

“It was another extremely challenging growing season in New Zealand, with a significant reduction in yields as a result of poor growing conditions,” Te Brake said in the release.

Related news: Fresh Trends 2023: A look at the kiwifruit consumer

Zespri has chartered 51 vessels to ship this season’s kiwifruit from New Zealand in total — including four ships to Northern Europe, eight to the Mediterranean, two to North America’s West Coast and 37 to Asia, according to the release. The season’s final container shipments carrying the remaining 2,540 tons of kiwifruit are also expected to deliver over the coming weeks, the release said.

“While lower yields have put real pressure on growers, the industry has focused on maximizing value in market and through the supply chain. That’s meant a commitment to improving fruit quality which has been tracking significantly better than last year, and closer to what we saw in 2021,” Te Brake said in the release. “We’ve also implemented strong pricing this season, with per tray returns at the high end of early season guidance.”

Compared to the 2022 season, Zespri will be finishing around eight weeks ahead of last year, which was a strategic decision to avoid late season quality costs for growers, he continued.

Looking ahead as New Zealand’s 2024 season

Te Brake also confirmed that planning for next year is underway, with significantly more fruit expected to help meet strong consumer demand.

“Planning for the 2024 season is being led by the Industry Advisory Council, made up of New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated members, post-harvest and Zespri’s senior leadership, and as part of this we’re looking at what changes we need to make to further lift quality and respond to the higher volumes we expect next season,” he said.

Related news: Zespri Kiwifruit takes consumer campaign to ‘new level,’ offers chance to win trip to New Zealand

Early indications suggest that New Zealand will have a good level of growth for both Zespri Green and Zespri SunGold kiwifruit in 2024, which are anticipated to bounce back from the challenges of the past two seasons, Te Brake said.

“But, as a primary industry, we’re still subject to weather-related challenges,” he said. “We are focused on ensuring we get the whole supply chain working well — from producing a quality product, getting it to market in great shape and then getting as much value as we can when it gets there, as this is crucial to ensuring we’re able to deliver more value back to our growers and communities.”

Regardless, the industry is looking forward to finishing the New Zealand season well and transitioning to the Northern Hemisphere supply during the New Zealand off-season, Te Brake said.

New Zealand-grown Envy en route to global markets

Thu, 11 Apr 2024 13:13:40 GMT

The first of T&G Global’s premium new season Envy branded apples have departed Aotearoa New Zealand, bound for China.

The anticipated 2024 Aotearoa New Zealand Envy crop is the largest to-date, with 2.9 million tray carton equivalents — or 205 million apples — expected to be exported to customers in 60 countries this season, according to a news release.

T&G Global said this brings its total global Envy volumes, grown across 13 countries in the Northern and Southern hemispheres, to 8.8 million tray carton equivalents — or over 700 million apples for the 2023-24 season.

“Over the last 15 years, Envy has grown to become one of the leading premium apple brands in key global markets, including China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Thailand, and in recent years it has experienced double-digit growth in the U.S. and Vietnam,” Shane Kingston, T&G Global’s director of international sales and marketing, said in the release. “This season’s harvest looks to be one of the best yet, with the fruit having superb color, size and Brix. And over coming years our Envy volumes will continue to increase as new plantings in Hawke’s Bay, Tairāwihiti Gisborne and Nelson continue to mature.”

T&G Global says it has invested heavily in its dual-hemisphere multisourcing strategy, and the Aotearoa New Zealand apples season complements its Northern Hemisphere counterpart to meet consumer demand for high-quality Envy year-round. Globally, over 12,400 acres are planted with Envy, the release said.

“This year’s North American-grown Envy crop was exceptional, with the fruit sold domestically as well as exported to Asia,” Kingston said. “The U.S. is an important, highly competitive market and it’s great to see Envy stocked in approximately 70% of supermarkets including Walmart, Costco, Safeway, Kroger and Sam’s Club.”

First commercial planting for new Joli apple begins in New Zealand

Thu, 07 Sep 2023 13:52:32 GMT

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

Zespri looks for strong growth in kiwifruit supply

Thu, 15 Feb 2024 15:46:32 GMT

The upcoming New Zealand kiwifruit season has the potential to be a year of strong growth across all kiwifruit offerings, Zespri reports.

Zespri expects to ship around 193 million trays of New Zealand kiwifruit to markets around the world, according to a news release.

While still early in the season, Zespri said its latest supply estimate reflects the positive growing conditions seen across New Zealand in recent months. This season’s crop will be a significant increase on the 133 million New Zealand trays shipped last season and also up on the 175 million trays shipped in 2021, according to the release.

The key focus for Zespri this year is delivering consistently good-quality fruit to customers and consumers throughout the season to help maximize the value returned to growers and communities, Zespri CEO Dan Mathieson said in the release.

“It’s been a far more settled growing environment compared to the last couple of seasons when growers were facing a number of challenges, including the impact of COVID-19, the significant labor shortage in 2022 and the many climatic events that New Zealand experienced in 2023,” Mathieson said. “ While it’s still early, the crop is looking excellent and there’s a lot of excitement and optimism in the industry.”

Managing the increased volume of fruit throughout the supply chain and delivering consistently good-quality fruit was a key consideration in the industry’s season planning process, Mathieson said.

“We’re trying to make sure we’re striking the right balance of having a good source of early-season fruit to capitalize on early-season sales opportunities and having fruit that stores well so that we can have a consistent flow of fruit through the season and minimize late-season quality issues,” he said.

Strong demand and fruit quality drive positive forecast for Zespri growers

Wed, 20 Nov 2024 15:43:45 GMT

Zespri has released its November forecast for the 2024-25 season with forecast returns up across almost all categories from the last forecast in August.

According to a news release, forecast orchard gate returns have increased for all categories other than RubyRed kiwifruit at a per-tray level. Meanwhile, forecast per hectare returns are now at record levels for green and organic green kiwifruit due to improved yields while maintaining strong market value, according to Zespri.

Forecast per hectare returns for SunGold kiwifruit are up from August and remain steady for Green14 and RubyRed, the release said.

According to the November forecast, the average per-tray Zespri kiwifruit returns were:

Zespri green — $8.10 per tray.
Zespri organic green — $11.17.
Zespri SunGold — $11.22.
Zespri organic SunGold — $14.32.
Zespri Green14 — $8.47.
Zespri RubyRed — $16.60.

“The lift in forecast orchard gate returns reflects the strong fruit quality we’ve seen this season when there’s been a record crop of more than 190 million trays to sell,” Zespri CEO Jason Te Brake said in the release. “There’s strong demand for Zespri kiwifruit, which is supporting a strong season finish with our teams in market focused on minimizing late-season quality costs.”

Te Brake said SunGold quality has been particularly strong this season, supported by strong sales in Zespri, while green quality has become more challenging at the back end of the season.

“We’re managing this with just a few weeks’ worth of fruit left to sell as we look to maximize the value we return to growers,” he said. “It’s pleasing to see the industry’s efforts in delivering quality fruit at large volumes to our customers, and we look forward to closing out the New Zealand season strongly.”

Robotics Plus wins innovation award

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 06:13:58 GMT

Tauranga, N.Z.-based Robotics Plus has won an ANZLF Trans-Tasman Innovation and Growth Award.

The award celebrates innovation, growth, and impact of emerging businesses in Australia and New Zealand, according to a news release, and was presented by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern in Auckland Sept. 12.

Robotics Plus was founded in 2013 by Steve Saunders and Alistair Scarfe, with a focus on improving the quality, productivity and sustainability of the horticultural and other industry supply chains, according to the release. The release said the company’s research and development efforts focus on automation, vision, robotics and artificial intelligence to help solve problems such as labor shortages, sustainability, pollination gaps, and yield security.

Robotics Plus CEO Matt Glenn said in the release that the company is experiencing “strong growth” on the back of increasing demand for its world-first platform technologies. “Over the last 18 months Robotics Plus has launched two commercial products, entered the U.S. and European markets, completed a US$10 million Series A investment with Yamaha Motor Company and grown from a team of 12 to over 50,” he said in the release. “We also have a number of new products in the pipeline and expect our growth to continue at the same rate for the foreseeable future.”

Robotics Plus launched its robotic Āporo apple packers commercially in 2018, according to the release. The system can pack up 120 apples per minute in display trays and is being marketed by Global Pac Technologies, a Jenkins Group (NZ/Australia) and Van Doren Sales (U.S.) joint venture. The release said Āporo apple packers are already operating in packhouses in New Zealand and the U.S, with a number of installations set for Europe.

Robotics Plus has a range of technologies under development, the release said, including an autonomous agricultural vehicle, robotic pollinator, robotic harvesters, crop estimator, and other projects that have not been disclosed.

Zespri’s New Zealand shipments of SunGold eclipse Zespri Green

Thu, 22 Sep 2022 02:13:32 GMT

The final 2019 shipments of Zespri’s New Zealand kiwifruit crop were heading to Asian markets in December, putting an exclamation point on a season that saw SunGold shipments exceed Zespri Green volume for the first time.

About 147 million trays of kiwifruit were shipped offshore this season from New Zealand to more than 50 countries, Blair Hamill, Zespri’s chief global supply officer, said in a news release.

“Our premium Zespri SunGold and green kiwifruit are more popular than ever, and over the course of the season we’ve moved 44 full charter shiploads and 17,160 containers, or more than 500,000 (metric) tons in total, to our markets,” Hamill said in the release.

The 2019 season was the second-largest crop ever harvested by New Zealand’s kiwifruit growers, behind only the 2018 season.
This season also marked the first season Zespri exported more SunGold than green kiwifruit, which Hamill called in the release a “significant milestone.”

“Zespri SunGold was developed through Zespri’s partnership with Plant and Food Research, after many years of research and significant investment by New Zealand growers,” he said in the release. “Owned by Zespri it’s generating strong returns to New Zealand communities and to our licensed growers offshore and we’re excited about the international demand for it.”

In total, over 74 million trays of Zespri’s SunGold and 73 million trays of Zespri Green were supplied to global consumers and customers from New Zealand this season, according to the release.
Zespri is transitioning to its Northern Hemisphere production, which Hamill estimates at just over 19 million trays through partnerships with growers in Italy, France, Japan, Korea and Greece, Hamill said in the release.

“Demand for our fruit continues to grow faster than our ability to meet it and we’re working hard to boost our production so we can continue to supply the world’s leading portfolio of branded kiwifruit all 12 months of the year.”

The first shipments of New Zealand’s 2020 kiwifruit crop are anticipated in March, Hamill said in the release.

Related articles

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Giving everyone a Fairgrow: helping to get fresh fruit and veggies to Kiwis in need

Tue, 08 Dec 2020 01:21:43 GMT

New Zealand’s leading fresh produce company, T&G Fresh, has today launched a new charity, Fairgrow, which will help get fresh fruit and vegetables to Kiwis in need.

“COVID-19 has turned many people’s lives upside down and right now large numbers of Kiwis are finding it difficult to provide healthy and nutritious food to their families - and this need is outstripping what’s currently being donated. As a country of nutritious fresh food producers, we want to provide people with a fair go and make the most of Aotearoa’s produce”, says Andrew Keaney, Managing Director T&G Fresh.

“That’s where Fairgrow can help. We will capture and aggregate surplus and donated fruit and vegetables from across our 1,200 grower partners, as well as from our own business, thereby building a community of growers and partners who have a bit or a bunch to spare.”

National levels of food insecurity have risen sharply in recent months as many New Zealand families are facing increased financial hardship as a result of COVID-19. On the other hand, it’s estimated $872 million worth of food is wasted annually – representing 122,500 tonnes sent to landfill[1].

“We know addressing food insecurity will require everyone, including business, Government and community groups, to work together and take collaborative action.

“Fairgrow will help with this by also raising funds to buy produce when it’s not in abundance or readily available, thereby providing Kiwis in need with greater availability throughout the year. Furthermore, at various times of the year, some produce might be left in the ground or on trees as it may not have a natural commercial home. Fairgrow will make financial contributions towards helping harvest and donate some of these crops.”

As a foundational partner of the New Zealand Food Network (NZFN), Fairgrow will use its extensive grower network and national fresh produce supply chain to help connect the supply of fresh produce with national demand from NZFN’s network of food rescue organisations, iwi and charities.

“Using our existing infrastructure like our trucks, nationwide distribution network and cool stores, we’ll efficiently aggregate donated produce from across the country, and work with our partners at NZFN, so they can get it out to communities who need it the most.”

Peter Aarts, from Sundale Farms, who grows broccoli and potatoes in Pukekawa, South Auckland is proud to supply produce to Fairgrow. “As third generation growers, we take immense pride in growing healthy vegetables. The last thing we want to see is any of this food go to waste. That’s why we’re incredibly proud to support Fairgrow with regular donations of broccoli, that way we can help address this critical issue in New Zealand.”

In July 2020, T&G Fresh became a foundational partner of the New Zealand Food Network, which is a centralised hub, collecting and safely storing bulk donated food from producers and suppliers, and distributing it across the country to food rescues, iwi and charities.

The launch was celebrated today at an event hosted at T&G Fresh in Mount Wellington. Further information about Fairgrow can be found here https://fairgrow.org.nz/.

Awe Sum Organic’s Southern Hemisphere apple imports near

Thu, 22 Sep 2022 02:13:00 GMT

Awe Sum Organics , Santa Cruz, Calif., is starting its new crop of Southern Hemisphere apples .

The company’s Southern Hemisphere apples area available June through August, according to a news release. Most shipments will. Be arriving at the Port of Philadelphia. The company emphasizes a lower carbon footprint shipping via ocean freight versus transporting from the West Coast to the East Coast by truck, according to a news release.

Awe Sum Organics also promotes the freshness of imported crops in the summer, which haven’t been stored.

“Our customers could benefit from increased sales and customer satisfaction by offering our organic apples until the next domestic harvest arrives,” according to the release.

The company imports apples from New Zealand, Chile and Argentina. Its Southern Hemisphere program varieties, royal galas, granny smiths, fujis and Cripps pinks are available in bulk, and in 3-pound cello bags, 12 to a case, or 2-pound pouch bags, 12 to a case, according to the release.

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Argentine pear program starts with bartletts on both coasts

Awe Sum Organics names Joe Feldman director of sales and marketing

Zespri boosts kiwifruit production through Hazel Tech

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 06:38:07 GMT

Growers with New Zealand kiwifruit marketer Zespri International will be using a new product from Hazel Technologies to improve production.

Hazel Trex pre-harvest technology is used in orchards; trials have shown a 15% increase in king flower production, and growers are also using it on gold kiwifruit.

“Through Zespri Innovation trials, we have demonstrated that this technology can be used to optimize orchard practices to improve budbreak and flowering results,” Mary Black, innovation team leader for orchard productivity at Zespri International, said in a news release. “We believe growers can use this technology to optimize the timing of budbreak enhancers, therefore improving the performance of their orchards.”

Hazel Trex provides guidance on the best timing for Orchard management practices, according to the release.

“We are thrilled to support Zespri in the kiwifruit industry by making this innovative technology available,” Adam Preslar, chief technology officer at Hazel Technologies. “Hazel is truly committed to improving fresh produce quality, reducing waste, and increasing sales from seed to shelf.”

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Kiwifruit marketer Zespri makes key hires.

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 06:39:40 GMT

Zespri International Ltd . has added chief global supply officer Alastair Hulbert and Executive Officer of Europe and North America Giorgio Comino.

Hulbert most recently was chief operating officer in the U.S. for Total Produce. He has also had roles with T&G Global, including chief executive from 2013-17 and chief executive of the company’s subsidiary, Delica Global, according to a news release.

Comino most recently was at Proctor and Gamble, where he had a variety of roles in sales and marketing across different categories and channels. He most recently was Europe group sales and trade marketing director for the fabric care business units.

Zespri chief executive Dan Mathieson said the chief global supply role is key and that Hulbert will manage commercial relationships with Zespri’s supply chain partners to ensure Zespri kiwifruit reaches customers around the world.

With the appointment of Comino, the company’s line-up of executive officers overseeing major markets of Greater China, Asia Pacific, Europe and North America is complete.

Related stories:

Zespri’s Let Your Taste Wander promotes kiwifruit

Zespri sets sustainability goals for packaging

Zespri unveils kiwifruit rebrand with focus on values

Hazel Tech partners with New Zealand farmer cooperative

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 06:41:27 GMT

Chicago-based Hazel Technologies has partnered with New Zealand rural supplies cooperative Farmlands to provide Hazel Trex technology to kiwifruit growers.

In the partnership, Hazel Tech is joining with New Zealand kiwifruit packers Seeka and Apata, according to a news release.

The partnership focuses on the use of Hazel Trex, a pre-harvest technology launched by Hazel Tech this year, with support from New Zealand kiwifruit marketer Zespri, according to the release.

Growers supplying fruit to Seeka and Apata will use Hazel Trex in pre-harvest management ahead of the 2020-21 harvest, according to the release.
Both Seeka and Apata pack the Zespri kiwifruit export label, and the release said Farmlands will be the sole distributor of Hazel Trex to all of Zespri’s New Zealand kiwifruit growers.

“Hazel Tech is committed to expanding our current industry-leading technology portfolio across the global supply chain,” Aidan Mouat, CEO of Hazel Technologies, said in the release.

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Compac increases service levels in the U.S.

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 19:53:32 GMT

Sorting equipment manufacturer Compac is investing in new facilities and staff in the U.S.

Compac, part of TOMRA Food, recently opened an office in Grand Rapids, Mich., and has expansion plans in California, said Darrell Smithson, vice president of global services for the New Zealand-based company.

Smithson said the moves are part of a two- to three- year plan to increase service capabilities in the U.S. Regional service centers have expanded parts inventories and upgraded their ability to digitally connect and monitor machines.

“We recently opened a new office in Grand Rapids with our integration partner to really be able to support our customers better,” he said.

The company has added field service technicians in North America to build a better local infrastructure. Compac has about 65 service representatives in the U.S., about 25 more than a couple of years ago. Their duties include training, project management, and installation.

Compac had local support in the past, but Smithson described it as “triage.” If there was a serious issue or an improvement needed on equipment, Compac would have to bring expertise from New Zealand.

The company has been evolving in the past couple of years to put expertise closer to companies using its sorters, cutting down on the time for service and equipment installation.

The company has a facility in Visalia, Calif., and recently broke ground for a new service center there. Construction is expected to be finished during the first quarter of 2020.

Compac’s Visalia service center covers the West Coast, and the Grand Rapids facility serves the apple industry in Michigan and nearby states. Another regional service center in Buffalo, N.Y., supports U.S. and Canadian installations.

Compac’s regional service center in Yakima, Wash., is a partnership with Van Doren Sales Inc.

Equipment for the apple industry leads Compac sales, followed by citrus.

As a New Zealand-based company, Compac also specializes in kiwifruit equipment across the globe. Sorting equipment demand for stone fruit, tomatoes, pomegranates and avocados is also growing, he said. Compac cherry sorting equipment sales have been rising in recent years in California, Oregon and Washington, he said.

With their service teams, Smithson said Compac is able to provide a proactive approach to service.

“Over the last two or three years, we’ve introduced service contracts across the whole line, from start to finish, that includes both Compac equipment and other equipment,” he said.

For example, packers with a cherry line — which lays dormant for much of the year and then has to run 24/7 for several weeks — can now work with Compac service staff to run preseason predictive and analytical analysis.

That process involves looking at how the machine performed last season and what can be done to improve “up time” in the new season. That predictive approach can cost less than dealing with down time and fixing equipment on an “ad hoc” basis, he said.

“That’s a big fundamental change that I think Compac is helping to drive but also I’m seeing right across the industry,” he said.

Zespri sets sustainability goals for packaging

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 06:26:11 GMT

New Zealand-based kiwifruit marketer Zespri plans to have 100% recyclable, reusable or compostable packaging by 2025.

Any plastic packaging still in use by Zespri at that time will be made from at least 30% recycled plastic, and the brand’s overall packaging footprint will be dropped by 25% (per kilogram of fruit produced) by 2030, according to Zespri. The company announced the plans at Momentum 2020: Standing Up and Standing Out, the New Zealand kiwifruit industry’s conference.

“We already have much to be proud of including already having 95% of our packaging used to transport our kiwifruit to market as cardboard, but we realise there’s more to do,” Carol Ward, chief innovation and sustainability officer at Zespri, said in a news release. “The ambitious targets we’ve outlined today are therefore about driving our next stage of development and aligning with our purpose, our brand promise and our premium product position.”

Zespri has already reduced the weight of liners in cardboard transport packs, tested fiber-based packs and implemented improved recycling options.
The company’s non-packaging sustainability commitments include:

Identifying climate risks and opportunities by August 2021 and develop a climate change adaption plan by December 2022;
Partnering in all major Zespri markets with healthy lifestyle programs by 2022; and
Protecting and enhancing water quality.

“We’ve been weaving sustainability into our business practices for many years, and we’re really proud to have set ambitious targets which give us clear direction of travel and we can work with our industry partners to play our part in bringing positive change,” Ward said in the release.

Related stories:

Zespri unveils kiwifruit rebrand with focus on values

Zespri to market red kiwifruit

Zespri’s New Zealand shipments of SunGold eclipse Zespri Green

Zespri ready to talk business, have fun at Fresh Summit

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 07:40:44 GMT

Zespri is highlighting the new SunGold kiwifruit clamshell at its Produce Marketing Association’s Fresh Summit booth, and offering Kiwiritas and a chance to play S’KIWI ball.

For the uninitiated, that’s kiwi-flavored margaritas, and skee-ball, which comes with the chance to win an iPhone 11 Pro.

Zespri’s regional and international staff will be on hand to talk with retailers about customized programs during the Fresh Summit expo Oct. 18-19 in Anaheim, Calif., according to a news release. The company is at booth No. 3085.

“It gives us the forum to bring our brand to life and update the industry on the growing consumer demand for SunGold and other varieties as well as the strong marketing investment behind our brand,” Sarah Deaton, Zespri shopper marketing manager. “Our goal is to help retailers and industry partners increase their sales and show them how we are committed to growing the kiwifruit category.”

Zespri’s Let Your Taste Wander consumer campaign used digital and print advertising, along with an interactive consumer contest, to spur sales. The campaign helped boost Zespri SunGold to the No. 1 branded kiwifruit spot, according to the company, citing IRI data of total U.S. multi-outlet sales (from May 12-Sept.8), with a 19% increase from the same period last year, according to the release.

The new SunGold clamshell will be featured in Fresh Summit’s New Product Showcase.

“Zespri’s success can also be attributed to the new packaging design and merchandising displays,” Deaton said in the release. “We launched the season with a new look and feel for our SunGold, Green and organic varieties. The graphics convey the nutritional information as well as the simplicity of eating on the go by simply cutting, scooping with a spoon and enjoying its tropical, sweet taste.”

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Robotics Plus wins innovation award for apple packer

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 06:05:20 GMT

A robotic apple packer from New Zealand-based Robotics Plus has won a major technology award.

Robotics Plus’ robotic Aporo apple packer won the New Zealand Trade & Enterprise Most Innovative Hi-Tech Agritech Solution, according to a news release. In addition, the company was named Callaghan Innovation Hi-Tech Kamupene Maori o te Tau - Maori Company of the Year.

Robotics Plus’ robotic Aporo apple packers were launched in May 2018. The unit packs up to 120 apples per minute in display trays, according to the release. The technology is being marketed by Global Pac Technologies, a Jenkins Group (New Zealand/Australia) and Van Doren Sales (U.S.) joint venture. The technology is already operating in packinghouses in New Zealand and the U.S., with installations in Europe to follow, according to the company.

The release said Robotics Plus has a range of other technologies under development, including an autonomous agricultural vehicle, robotic pollinator, robotic harvesters, crop estimator, and other projects.

The company recently received an investment of $8 million from partner Yamaha Motor Co. Ltd. (Japan), to bring Yamaha’s total investment in Robotics Plus to $10 million, according to the release.

“It’s been a pivotal year for Robotics Plus,” Matt Glenn, CEO of Robotics Plus, said in the release.

“We’re working on a very ambitious growth plan, with the support of local and international partners such as Global Pac Technologies, ISO Limited, Trimax and Yamaha Motor, who are helping us scale quickly to achieve this.”

George Kellerman, CEO & Managing Director Yamaha Motor Ventures & Laboratory Silicon Valley, said in the release that the company invested in Robotics Plus in response to rising demand from the agricultural sector for sophisticated and precision robotics and automation technologies that will reduce labor needs and create new efficiencies.

Zespri unveils kiwifruit rebrand with focus on values

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 07:39:21 GMT

Zespri , the New Zealand-based marketer of kiwifruit , has a new logo and refreshed brand, the first in its 22-year history.

The company unveiled the new look at the Fruit Logistica exposition Feb. 5 in Berlin. It reflects a new brand vision, tagline and visual identity that “captures the burst of flavor consumers get from biting into a Zespri kiwifruit,” according to a news release.

The company had an operating revenue of $3.14 billion in 2018-19 and is making progress to a goal of $4.5 billion in sales by 2025, according to the release.

“We see evidence that consumers today are making more considered purchasing decisions and looking for brands that have a purpose and set of values they can personally identify with,” Jiunn Shih, Zespri’s chief growth officer, said in the release. “We’re proud of our purpose and our values, including our role as kaitiaki (guardians) for our future generations, and consumers can expect to see that increasingly brought through in our refreshed visual identity.”

The brand’s new tagline, “Make your healthy irresistible,” celebrates the healthfulness of the fruit, according to the release.

“We’re confident that our new brand will resonate not only with our loyal fans but pique the interest of new ones, helping differentiate Zespri in the fresh produce market so we can continue to grow our share of the global fruit bowl,” Shih said in the release.

Zespri will roll out the new brand throughout the year, with new packaging in May and its largest investment in marketing in 2020, according to the release.

The company is hosting its Momentum 2020: Standing Up and Standing Out conference in New Zealand in mid-February, according to the release.

“This is a really exciting time for Zespri and our industry on the back of the strong growth we’ve seen and the increasing global demand for nutritious products like our Zespri kiwifruit,” Shih said in the release. “We can’t wait to share our new look with growers and consumers, and look forward to helping even more people, communities and the environment around the world thrive through the goodness of kiwifruit in the years ahead.”

Related stories:

Zespri to market red kiwifruit

Zespri’s New Zealand shipments of SunGold eclipse Zespri Green

Zespri launches season with new consumer campaign

T&G Global to bring new blueberries to U.S., other markets

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 06:25:34 GMT

New Zealand’s T&G Global fruit company has entered into an agreement that will bring larger blueberries to export markets.

The partnership with the fruit company and Plant & Food Research will bring berries with superior genetics to markets around the world, according to a news release. The new berries will be larger, with higher yields and disease resistance to benefit growers, according to T&G Global.

The blueberries will be available within a year and sold exclusively by T&G Global under the company’s Orchard Rd. brand.

“Blueberries are a key strategic play for us in building our global portfolio, and we’re delighted to build another global category to emulate the success of our premium apple brands,” CEO Gareth Edgecombe said in the release. “We know there is strong consumer demand for blueberries and teaming up with Plant & Food means we get access to a pipeline of world-class varieties.”

T&G Global also announced a joint venture with multi-national blueberry grower CarSol Fruit Export of the Netherlands, to further develop Asian markets.

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New Zealand’s apple harvest starts