NEW ZEALAND - As it continues to build out its global footprint, T&G Global reported that its New Zealand apple exports are on track to arrive for the China and Southeast Asian markets. The ships carrying 28,000 cartons of Envy™ apples left the Napier port toward the end of April, a success for T&G Global after fighting challenges.

“Our orchard and post-harvest teams are pulling out all the stops to pick and pack our Envy crop this season,” reported Craig Betty, Director of Operations, who also noted that the company expects to export a high-quality crop. “We’ve had university students pitching in and working alongside our local seasonal team and Recognized Seasonal Employer (RSE) workers. In addition, 45 of our office-based team, known as the 'Envy Army' are working part-time shifts at our Hawke’s Bay packhouses to ensure our premium Envy apples get to consumers in key global markets.”

According to a release, T&G will ship approximately two million cartons (200 million apples) of New Zealand grown Envy to consumers in 60 countries. The week of April 21 marked the beginning of a busy shipping schedule for the 2021 apple crop, which over the coming weeks will depart from both Napier and Nelson Ports.

Last week, T&G also air-freighted Envy to China and Malaysia in time for new season retail programs.

“As our mornings get cooler in New Zealand, we’re seeing a strong and vibrant color coming through and a high proportion of high-grade fruit being packed,” Craig added, explaining that 70 percent of the crop has been harvested.

As demand for Envy apples grows, T&G is stepping up plantings in both hemispheres to meet increasing consumer demand. New Envy plantings over the coming years will produce another 10 million cartons by 2030.

Is Envy on your list for summer apple programs? Don't miss out on the craze.

T&G Global