The first of this season’s New Zealand-grown JAZZ™ apples depart for Europe today, with approximately two million cartons (36,000 tonnes) of JAZZ™ apples expected to be exported throughout the New Zealand season.
T&G Global Director of Operations, Craig Betty, says this season’s New Zealand-grown JAZZ™ apples are of an exceptional quality.
“This year, the colour and size of our premium JAZZ™ apples is fantastic, with the weather providing a great growing season with just the right amount of rain, followed by warm days to produce high-quality apples,” said Craig.
“While the industry is facing many challenges this season, given workforce shortages and ongoing supply chain constraints, our T&G team and network of growers are doing everything they can to harvest, pack and export this year’s great crop, so consumers around the world can enjoy our delicious JAZZ™ apples.”
Today’s first shipment from Port Nelson is the first of many to Europe, the United Kingdom, North America and Asia for T&G and its growers.
Rachel Stotter, Director of Sales for T&G Global, says Europe is a key export market for the premium apple brand and the company has strategically chosen to start the JAZZ™ export programme there.
“First exported from New Zealand in 2004, today JAZZ™ apples are a Kiwi household favourite and loved by consumers around the world. Our New Zealand grown JAZZ™ apples will arrive just in time to seamlessly transition from European grown JAZZ™ apples, ensuring our consumers can enjoy JAZZ™ all year round,” says Rachel.
“Europe holds great value for our JAZZ™ apples, with the brand’s premium apple qualities standing out from the pack. JAZZ™ has built a great reputation for its distinctive tangy-sweet flavour and refreshing taste profile.”
With more people looking for healthier snacking choices, the unique premium qualities of JAZZ™ make it the ideal snacking apple. Shaped by these market insights, the brand was refreshed in 2021.
“With its strengthened look, differentiated positioning, together with our ‘Is it JAZZ™ time yet?” global marketing campaign, the brand appeals as the ideal snack on the go. This year we’ll build on this with marketing activations and increased sustainable packaging,” says Rachel.
“As part of our commitment towards achieving 100% recyclable packaging by 2025, last year we sold 3.5 million cardboard foodtainers of JAZZ™ in Europe and we’re looking forward to building on that in the year ahead.”
