NEW ZEALAND - New Zealand’s 2020 apple harvest is in full swing, and T&G Global, one of New Zealand’s largest growers and exporters of apples, is in the midst of picking around 6.5 million cartons of crunchy, delicious apples.
“New Zealand is home to some of the world’s best apples, including the internationally popular JAZZ™ and Envy™, and this year the crop is looking superb, with a fantastic flavor,” said Craig Betty, Director of Operations. “Across the world, consumers look for different attributes in their apples—American and Asian consumers love them big and bright red, which don’t brown when cut. Kiwi consumers tend to go for apples rich in flavor and color and are fans of our snack-sized JAZZ apples for convenience.”
T&G’s apple crop is shaping up with great quality and good-sized apples. According to a press release, the 6.5 million cartons are enough to fill 80 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
“Our growers across the Hawke’s Bay, Gisborne, Nelson, and Otago are experts at knowing when the time is right to pick each variety of apple to meet consumers’ needs,” said Betty. “Across Asia, we've seen some softening in demand, however, orders across most markets remain steady and we’re currently shipping to plan.”
While COVID-19 is creating some uncertainty in terms of global trading, T&G Global is continuing to export to most of its 45 international markets.
“Over the past week, the first shipments of JAZZ apples have headed to ports in Hong Kong and Malaysia, with further shipments to China, Thailand, Belgium, U.K., and the Middle East on track to leave over the next few days,” continued Betty. “We’re continually monitoring the situation and have alternative sales plans across a range of regions, markets, and channels so we can move quickly to mitigate any changes or effects from COVID-19."
Harvesting of Royal Gala apples began in late February. The T&G team is employing a New Zealand-first robotic harvester, working together to pick the premium JAZZ and Envy apples.
“As an essential service, T&G has a critical role to play in keeping fresh fruit and vegetables moving through the supply chain to our fellow New Zealanders and consumers around the world. Safety is always our top priority, and we’ve implemented additional COVID-19 safe work practices across our entire business to help keep our people and communities safe,” concluded Betty. “To help process the harvest, we’re also actively recruiting for forklift operators, tractor drivers, and packhouse workers mainly in Hawke’s Bay and Nelson, and glasshouse workers in Auckland, and we encourage anyone interested to get in touch with T&G.”
As we look ahead to a bountiful spring, T&G will continue to bring quality New Zealand apples to shore. Keep reading more industry updates right here on AndNowUKnow.
