New Zealand’s 2022 apple season is here, with T&G Global harvesting the first of this season’s apples. With its growers, T&G aspires to pick more than 6.5 million tray carton equivalents (TCEs) this year – approximately 120,00,000 kilograms of apples.
According to Craig Betty, Director of Operations for T&G Global, the quality across all varieties this season are very promising, with fruit generally sizing well. “For our premium JAZZ™ and Envy™ brands, we’re seeing good quality and fruit size better than 2021,” said Betty.
In the South Island there has been more than usual rainfall in spring, followed by warm summer temperatures which should result in high-quality crops to be harvested. Additionally, with recent warmer temperatures in the North Island, early harvest in the Hawke’s Bay should see an improvement in foreground colour.
Apples this year can be expected to be delicious and of high quality.
T&G’s early-season apple brand, Poppi™, is the first variety to be harvested in February, followed by Royal Gala, JAZZ™ and Envy™ over the coming months. “Thanks to its early ripening qualities, Poppi™ is one of the first New Zealand apple brands of the season to arrive in our highly competitive Asian markets,” said Betty.
With a high-quality crop due to be harvested, T&G have been proactively preparing for any challenges or uncertainties they may face this season.
“Without a doubt it’s going to be a tough season given New Zealand’s tight labour market, the absence of working holiday visa workers, continuing global supply chain challenges, and the ongoing impact of COVID-19 across the country and globe.”
