NEW ZEALAND - Get ready for Envy™ apples! T&G Global announced the first of its premium, new season Envy apples have departed Aotearoa New Zealand and are en route to China.
“Over the last 15 years, Envy has grown to become one of the leading premium apple brands in key global markets, including China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Thailand, and in recent years it has experienced double-digit growth in the United States and Vietnam,” says Shane Kingston, T&G’s Director of International Sales and Marketing. “In the premium apple category, there are many new and established varieties, however, Envy continues to be a standout performer, with consumers seeking the apple out for its sweet, crisp, and crunchy taste, and distinctive bright red color.”
As the apple provider shared, the anticipated 2024 Aotearoa New Zealand Envy crop is the largest to date, with 2.9 million tray carton equivalents (TCEs)—or 205 million apples—expected to be exported to customers in 60 countries this season.
“[...] This season’s harvest looks to be one of the best yet, with the fruit having superb color, size, and brix. And over coming years, our Envy volumes will continue to increase as new plantings in Hawke’s Bay, Tairāwihiti Gisborne, and Nelson continue to mature," Kingston added.
T&G has invested heavily in its dual-hemisphere multi-sourcing strategy, according to a press release, and the Aotearoa New Zealand apples season perfectly complements its Northern Hemisphere counterpart to meet consumer demand for Envy year-round.
“This year’s North American-grown Envy crop was exceptional, with the fruit sold domestically as well as exported to Asia. The United States is an important, highly competitive market, and it’s great to see Envy stocked in approximately 70 percent of supermarkets including Walmart, Costco, Safeway, Kroger, and Sam’s Club,” Kingston added.
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