The first containers of T&G’s new season Aotearoa New Zealand premium ENVY™ branded apples departed Napier Port this week, bound for Shanghai, China.
Photo by John Cowpland / alphapix
Harvested in Tairāwhiti Gisborne, the departing fruit signals the start of a busy export period for Aotearoa New Zealand-grown ENVY™, which will be shipped to over 55 countries.
Shane Kingston, T&G’s Chief Operating Officer Apples, says this season’s premium ENVY™ branded apples are exceptional quality and global customers are eagerly awaiting its arrival.
“Over the last 16 years, we’ve invested significantly in building ENVY™ branded apples to become one of the leading premium apple brands in key global markets, including Viet Nam, Thailand, China and the United States,” says Shane.
“To do this, it requires an integrated system where each step of the supply chain is focused on ensuring our consumers and customers have a great consistent eating experience, every time, regardless of where the fruit is grown, and that we return strong value back to our growers. This year’s Aotearoa New Zealand premium ENVY™ crop is set to do this.
“With the weather having returned to a more normalised pattern, this year’s crop has superb colour, great crunch and a delicate sweet flavour. This will support our customers seamlessly transition from Northern Hemisphere grown ENVY™ to Southern Hemisphere supply.”
Photo by John Cowpland / alphapix
For the 2025 Aotearoa New Zealand apples season, across all varieties and brands, T&G is forecasting total exports of 4.4 million tray carton equivalents (TCEs), which equates to 79,200 tonnes of apples. This is the largest crop since 2022.
“Our customers will be excited by the increased ENVY™ apple volumes this season, as we work hard to meet growing consumer demand for the brand,” says Shane.
“In recent months, we experienced excellent Lunar New Year sales across Asia, with the momentum holding strong after the festive period, and in the United States ENVY™ is the second highest branded apple for units purchased per trip and the third highest for repeat shopper visits1. This underscores consumer’s strong preference for premium ENVY™ branded apples.”
1 2025 Numerator data. American ENVY™ consumers spend 1.8 times more than the average apple category shoppers and make 1.7 times more trips.
