T&G Global has launched Joli, a new global premium apple variety, which joins the company’s established portfolio of Envy and JAZZ apple brands.
Joli, which global consumers will be able to enjoy from 2028 onwards, is the result of over ten years of innovation.
Developed in Aotearoa, New Zealand, Joli is a productive, large, full-flavoured bright red juicy apple that appeals to both consumers and growers, with trees producing high-yielding, high-colour fruit.
T&G Global Chief Executive, Gareth Edgecombe, said 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, and T&G’s growth strategy is focused on utilising this to create value for our growers, regional communities and economy. This is critical to succeed in a highly fragmented and commoditised global apple market,” said Edgecombe.
Edgecombe continued that the launch of Joli builds off the success of T&G’s premium Envy and JAZZ brands, perfectly complementing them by appealing to a different group of global consumers.
Described as an outstanding apple with fantastic attributes, Edgecombe added that it was a bright shiny sizeable red apple with a full-flavoured balanced sweetness that bursts with juiciness. Its size and taste profile makes it a perfect everyday premium apple for sharing occasions.
“Joli has robust orcharding attributes for growers, including high output levels and the ability to grow throughout New Zealand. Furthermore, Joli’s harvest profile balances our premium JAZZ and Envy brands, harvesting in mid to late March.”
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 and Food Research in New Zealand, who work in collaboration with the world-renowned pip fruit breeding programme, to deliver new varieties that meet both current and future market opportunities.
Over ten years of Plant and Food Research development have resulted in this new variety. The company cultivated the plant material using natural breeding techniques to develop its unique traits. It worked with Prevar and T&G’s VentureFruit team to conduct extensive growing trials to ensure the tree grows well in different environments, copes with various climatic conditions, produces great-tasting fruit, and stores well.
“We are excited to be a part of this momentous milestone for T&G, VentureFruit and Prevar, and the New Zealand industry. We look forward to supporting the Joli brand’s global growth plans with ongoing technical support in partnership with Plant and Food Research,” said Tony Martin, Prevar’s Chief Executive.
VentureFruit General Manager, Morgan Rogers, added that VentureFruit works closely with many global breeders, including Plant and Food Research, as they develop new apple varieties and other product categories to address not only consumers’ preferences but the performance of the variety against diseases, growth potential, and postharvest considerations, such as its ability to hold its quality and freshness, which is especially critical for Aotearoa’s horticultural export sector.
Roger continued that Joli was T&G’s pick for the next addition to its premium apple portfolio due to its excellent performance across the key metrics T&G values most.
T&G is the global exclusive license holder for growing, marketing and selling the variety, which is branded as Joli, and plans to plant 27 hectares on its orchards over the next three years. T&G is also seeking Expressions of Interest from independent growers across Aotearoa, New Zealand, to be part of the growing commercial pilot. Over the next five to six years, as additional trees become available, T&G will extend the opportunity to growers in other countries.
