T&G Global has announced its grower returns for the 2024 apple season, delivering increased value to its New Zealand growers network.
Returns for its premium ENVY and JAZZ apple brands have been the highest for several seasons, delivering over NZD 124 million back to growers. This has reflected the value and investment T&G has made in building consumer demand for its global brands, supported by world-class growing, post-harvest supply chain systems and strong in-market sales and marketing teams.
Shane Kingston, T&G’s Chief Operating Officer Apples, said that after a challenging few years, seeing the company’s vision and investment strengthen grower returns was great.
“Significant effort has gone in over the last six years to build premium global apple brands, underpinned by integrated, best-in-class systems, from unique plant varieties, growing and quality, right through to sales and marketing,” said Kingston.
“Despite the setbacks from Cyclone Gabrielle and COVID-19, we’ve put considerable effort into ensuring that consumers and customers worldwide experience high quality, great tasting premium apples.”
Kingston said while this year’s Hawke’s Bay crop was smaller in size and volume, given wet and cold conditions during spring, the quality and colour were among the best in recent years.
“Our focus on maximising the value of this year’s fruit by strategically targeting the right markets and channels, ensuring apples met stringent market requirements, and selling early delivered a great outcome to our growers.”
In 2024, returns for ENVY apples increased by NZD 3.65 per carton compared to 2023, while JAZZ apples achieved an increase of NZD 5.60 per carton.
Alongside its premium branded portfolio, T&G’s apple portfolio included large volumes of Royal Gala, Pacific Queen, POPPI, Fuji, Braeburn, and Pink Lady, and they have also delivered strong pricing for growers.
“Instead of only investing in one or two international markets, we employ a diversified marketing and sales approach that saw our high-quality commercial varieties exported to numerous countries, garnering returns approximately 15 percent higher on average than 2023 across all varieties.”
This strategy has ensured resilience against turbulent international market conditions and maintained strong prices throughout the season, maximising returns for its New Zealand growers.
“In Asia, our New Zealand-grown crop sold in a consistent and timely manner, reflecting the quality of the fruit and strength of our brands, and in November, we seamlessly transitioned to our high-quality US-grown ENVY and JAZZ apples.”
The US fruit has been well-received, and strong sales are expected over the next few months. In April 2025, the crop will transition back to being grown locally.
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