WASHINGTON - T&G Global and Roc Partners have entered into a Collaboration Agreement, focused on expanding Aotearoa New Zealand’s supply of premium export apples.

The collaboration will see 40 hectares of T&G’s premium JOLI™ and ENVY™ apple brands planted across two Hawke’s Bay orchards in 2025. Under the arrangement, a vehicle managed by Roc Partners will own the land and fund the development, while T&G will carry out the redevelopment and lease the orchards.

Shane Kingston, T&G’s Chief Operating Officer, Apples, said the joint initiative reflects the two companies’ shared commitment to sustainable growth.

“With growing consumer demand for T&G’s premium portfolio of apple brands, it’s important we have strategic long-term partners, with aligned commercial and environmental drivers, to help propel our growth strategy forward. With their extensive experience and portfolio in food and agriculture, Roc Partners is strongly aligned with our goals,” says Shane.

“Commencing in August, our T&G team will begin to re-develop the two new orchards, planting around 40 hectares on modern future-fit growing systems, including more than 21 hectares of ENVY™ apples and more than 18 hectares of JOLI™, our newest premium apple brand.

“The orchards will be automation-ready, with 2D horizontal trellis growing systems and drip feed sensor irrigation. This system is designed to conserve natural resources, support sustainable, high-quality apple production, and ensure that our orchards are resilient for the future.

“Like us, in the two years following Cyclone Gabrielle, many growers in Hawke’s Bay have re-developed impacted orchards. As the region continues to rebuild and invest in its future, this collaboration brings together Roc Partners’ investment expertise and our operational capabilities to support a strong, long-term, premium apple supply from the region,” says Shane.

Todd Winkley, Investment Director at Roc Partners, Food & Agriculture, said in the recent release: “Hawke’s Bay is a world-class apple-growing region, and we’re pleased to support its ongoing recovery. We see a compelling opportunity to invest in the transformation of these orchards – introducing high-quality IP varieties and modern growing systems to improve both productivity and efficiency.”

This initiative builds on the companies’ existing relationship in Australia, where T&G Berries and Roc Partners have a joint venture berry operation in Queensland.