Consumers across Asia, North America, the UK and Europe will soon be able to purchase this season’s New Zealand-grown premium Envy™ apples, with the first exports getting underway.
This week, the first of T&G Global’s Envy™ apples depart Hawke’s Bay for Asia, and over the course of the season approximately two million cartons of Envy™ will be exported to consumers in 60 countries.
T&G Global’s Director of Sales, Rachel Stotter, says global demand for Envy™ is incredibly strong, especially in Asia and North America.
“Envy™ is a beautiful premium red apple which is larger in size and has a balanced sweetness, fresh aroma and satisfying crunch. This makes it highly sought after, and we know consumers and customers will be eagerly awaiting this season’s crop,” says Rachel.
“Last year in Asia we had a sell-out season, with all of our New Zealand-grown Envy™ selling out ahead of schedule. Our Northern Hemisphere-grown Envy™ also sold well in Asia, following successful marketing campaigns for Chinese New Year. This puts us in a great position for our New Zealand Envy™ growing season.”
“Across in the United States, it’s looking to be another year of growth for Envy™. We saw strong sales momentum during the Northern Hemisphere growing season and their sales programmes are on track to be completed shortly, with our New Zealand grown Envy™ apples arriving at the perfect time to continue building on this,” says Rachel.
T&G’s premium Envy™ apples are grown in both hemispheres, across six continents, and in New Zealand the company and its network of growers grow them across the Hawke’s Bay, Gisborne and Nelson.
Despite the continued volatility and global supply chain challenges caused by COVID-19, T&G has a robust shipping programme in place to ensure its premium Envy™ apples can be enjoyed by consumers globally.
Craig Betty, T&G Global’s Director of Operations, says the company is working closely with shipping partners, as well as collaborating with horticultural exporters to charter vessels.
“Without a doubt the industry faces considerable pressure this season, with labour shortages and congestion in global shipping networks. Our team is being creative in solving these head-on and doing everything we can to deliver another exceptional Envy™ crop,” says Craig.
“To ensure our premium apples arrive on time in North America to meet our customers’ needs, we’re working alongside fellow exporters, including Zespri and Bostock New Zealand, to charter and co-ship our fresh produce to the States.
“In addition to our commercial shipping arrangements, over the course of this season we expect to charter six vessels to North America, departing from various ports including Napier, Nelson and Tauranga, this will help us navigate any challenges in getting our great-tasting premium fruit to market.”
