From this week onwards, Kiwis can expect delicious satsuma mandarins in stores, which is two weeks earlier than previous years thanks to this season’s great growing conditions.
T&G Fresh, the largest citrus grower in New Zealand, started harvesting the fruit late last week in Northland and is expecting a bumper crop this season.
Tom Chamberlain, T&G’s Regional Manager in Northland says the company expects to sell approximately 50 million satsuma mandarins from T&G’s own crop and partner growers in the Northland, Auckland and Gisborne regions.
“It’s an impressive crop this year, thanks to the generous rainfall we had in early summer. These conditions have produced juicy, sweet mandarins, with low acidity levels which consumers will love. And given the favourable citrus growing conditions, this year’s harvest is earlier than previous years,” said Tom.
“Demand for citrus is strong, as Kiwis look for ways to naturally boost their health, especially during the colder months. Citrus is an important part of a healthy diet, providing high levels of vitamin C, together with minerals and antioxidants.
“Satsuma mandarins are seedless and really easy to peel, making them a great and convenient snack for school, work or on the go, and given the bumper crop this year, Kiwis will be pleased to know there’s plenty of fruit to go around!”
Over the last five to seven years, satsuma mandarins have grown to become the largest volume citrus crop in New Zealand.
To help promote the vitamin-C rich fruit with Kiwis, T&G Fresh will be launching new season satsuma awareness campaigns in stores, across social media and on radio.
T&G Fresh will also export some of this season’s crop to Japan.
