T&G Fresh is partnering with one of the world’s leading strawberry breeding companies to provide New Zealanders with bigger, tastier, year-round strawberries.
In an exclusive deal, T&G Fresh will test, grow and market unique strawberry varieties from California-based, Plant Sciences Incorporated (PSI) – a leading berry breeder and agricultural research company.
“We’re very excited about the prospect of working with the PSI team and, through our expert growers, bringing these great premium varieties to Kiwi consumers,” says Andrew Keaney, Managing Director T&G Fresh.
“We’ll be working with our New Zealand strawberry growers over the coming months and years to trial and transition to these exciting genetics, and we’ll also be the first port of call for any growers who want to include PSI berries in their operations.”
T&G Fresh is focused on growing great brands and investing in new categories, as well as harnessing innovation and technology to become a world-class grower.
“We’re interested in scouring the world to secure the best genetics so that we can build our capability at every step of the supply chain, from growing right through to sales.
“The deal demonstrates our commitment to developing strong IP and partnering with other passionate growers to enable the year-round supply of the tastiest berries for consumers.”
Andrew Keaney says initial feedback from early trials is very exciting with yields, fruit quality, shelf-life, growing and harvesting efficiencies and fruit flavour all performing well.
“As well as looking at superior flavour, texture, shelf-life and colour, we’re also focused on developing varieties that reduce growing costs and increase productivity.
“We have a range of varieties that are suitable for various growing methods, such as tunnel house, outdoor table-tops and traditional field production.
“Labour is a significant and ever-increasing cost, so developing and choosing varieties that are easy to harvest is also a focus for us.”
Since 1985, PSI has been leading the way in innovation in small fruits plant breeding with exclusive genetics being grown in more than 50 countries around the world.
Scott Nelson, Global Development for PSI says; “We are excited about the opportunity to bring innovative varieties to the New Zealand strawberry industry.”
“Working closely with both T&G Fresh and their growers, we believe higher yields, better flavour and increased shelf life are achievable traits that will not only increase the margins to the farm but give consumers better tasting and longer lasting strawberries for their families.”
