Premium brands such as JAZZ™ are some of the new season harvest apples being picked in orchards across New Zealand.
It’s new season apple harvest time in New Zealand, with the first of T&G Global’s portfolio of high-quality apples being exported to consumers and customers in Vietnam, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Taiwan, Indonesia and Thailand.
Commencing with early varieties Poppi™ and Royal Gala, followed by Pacific Queen and T&G’s premium JAZZ™ and Envy™ brands, T&G’s orchard teams and network of partner growers are busy harvesting apples from trees in Hawke’s Bay, Gisborne, Nelson and Central Otago.
Craig Betty, T&G’s Director of Operations, says despite Cyclone Gabrielle significantly impacting parts of the North Island in February, there is a great crop of fruit on the trees.
“While some orchards in Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne were impacted, there are orchards in those areas which were completely untouched – and the fruit we’ve already harvested and shipped to our customers in Asia looks great. With the balance of our crop due to be harvested throughout March and April, we look forward to seeing our premium brands continue to develop good colour and size over the coming weeks,” says Craig.
“The cyclone completely bypassed the South Island, and following a hot summer we’re seeing some nice ripening and colour on our JAZZ™ and Envy™ brand apples.
“Apple fans across the world will be looking forward to this season’s new crop, and as with every year, we’re applying our deep horticultural expertise and careful orchard and post-harvest management, to produce the best apples. Whether they’re after great colour, tangy or sweet flavours, a satisfying crunch, or instead prefer smaller snacking or larger gifting apples – we have something for everyone within our portfolio of premium brands,” says Craig.
“We will soon commission our new state-of-the-art automated packhouse in the Hawke’s Bay. As one of the largest packhouses in the Southern Hemisphere, it will further enable us to get the best out of the regions’ harvest, both this season and into the future, and ensure Kiwis and consumers in over 60 global markets can enjoy our great tasting premium apples.”
