Weather wreaks havoc with bottom lines
Weather events like Cyclone Gabrielle that hit over one year ago have landed two of the country's biggest fruit and vegetable traders with massive trading losses.
T&G Global recently launched Joli, a new global premium apple variety, which the company says joins its established portfolio of Envy and JAZZ apple brands.
T&G says the new apple is the result of over ten years of innovation in New Zealand.
A productive, large, full-flavoured bright red juicy apple, the company says it will appeal to both consumers and growers, with trees producing high yielding, high colour fruit.
Global consumers will be able to enjoy the new apple from 2028 onwards.
T&G Global chief executive Gareth Edgecombe says Joli harnesses New Zealand's great intellectual property and its addition to the company's premium apple portfolio will help build a stronger horticulture sector.
"New Zealand has an enviable global reputation for innovating, developing and sourcing the world's best plant genetics and growing world-class premium apples," he says.
"T&G's growth strategy is focused on utilising this to create value for our growers, regional communities and economy. This is critical in order to succeed in what is a highly fragmented and commoditised global apple market."
Edgecombe says the new apple has very strong orcharding attributes, including high levels of output and the ability to grow throughout New Zealand.
He says a new variety requires a team effort and Joli is the result of VentureFruit, T&G's IP management and commercialisation business, working closely with innovation company Prevar and Plant & Food Research in New Zealand.
"These organisations work in collaboration on the world-renowned pipfruit breeding programme, to deliver new varieties that meet both current and future market opportunities."
T&G is the global exclusive license holder for growing, marketing and selling the variety. It plans to plant 27 hectares on its own orchards over the next three years.
T&G is also seeking expressions of interest and from independent growers across New Zealand to be part of the commercial growing pilot. Over the next five to six years, as additional trees become available, T&G says it will extend the opportunity to growrs in other countries.
New Zealand dairy processors are welcoming the Government’s commitment to continuing to push for Canada to honour its trade commitments.
An educational programme, set up by Beef + Land New Zealand, to connect farmers virtually with primary and intermediate school students has reported the successful completion of its second year.
The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) has welcomed a resolution adopted by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly to declare 2026 International Year of the Woman Farmer.
Waikato herd health veterinarian Katrina Roberts is the 2024 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year.
Trade Minister Todd McClay says New Zealand has no intention of backing down in a trade dispute with Canada over dairy products.
Horticulture NZ chief executive Nadine Tunley will step down in August.
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