Latest news with #T&G
Scoop
03-07-2025
- Business
- Scoop
NZ-designed Apples Miss Trick By Omitting FernMark Branding In Canada
New Zealand's premium apples have been caught up in a Canadian consumer backlash of United States products. Canadian consumers have actively boycotted US products, since President Donald Trump launched his trade war, along with ongoing calls to make Canada the 51st state of America. T&G Global's premium Envy and Jazz apples exported to Canada were packaged in 2.27 kg (5lb) bags, with prominent 'product of USA' labelling, and were not immune to the consumer backlash. T&G chief operating officer for the apples business Shane Kingston said the brands were grown in more than 11 countries, across both hemispheres. "This also diversifies our geographical spread, and ensures varieties are grown in the right regions and close to markets," he said, adding that sales met expectations. "Currently, around 31 percent of T&G's apple supply is sourced from Aotearoa New Zealand, 37 percent from the Americas, 23 percent from Europe and the United Kingdom, and 9 percent from other markets." Still NZ apples While Envy and Jazz apples sold in Canada were imported from southern hemisphere locations and Washington State, they were designed in New Zealand and were eligible to carry the New Zealand Inc trademark. FernMark brand manager David Downs said the lack of New Zealand branding was a missed opportunity, given that it could be applied to any product designed, grown or made in New Zealand. "That intellectual property was developed here and there is definitely a connection to New Zealand that should be highlighted," said Downs, who was also the chief executive of NZ Story, which - a government agency tasked with helping market New Zealand to the world. "It's actually a great example of New Zealand innovation." Demand for FernMark grows "It's interesting, isn't it, that consumer sentiment can shift pretty quickly," Downs said, referring to the trade dispute in North America. "Someone in Canada suddenly being suspicious of not wanting to buy products from the United States or from another country, because of their perceived activities." He said the FernMark had been independently valued at more than US$290 billlion (NZ$478b), although the licence to use it cost relatively little for qualifying companies. "What the FernMark does is basically visibly allow you to connect your brand with the brand of New Zealand, and that visible connection and association allows you to get that value from the hundreds of millions of dollars' worth of brand value that we have as a country." He said the number of companies using New Zealand's FernMark to promote their products had more than doubled over the past couple of years and featured on products in more than 40 countries. More than 600 companies used the FernMark on some two billion products, with food products one of the biggest users. "Some of those companies are very, very big, with tens of thousands of SKU's [stock items]." Recent research indicated 46 percent of international consumers recognised the FernMark, and 44 percent said they were more likely or a lot more likely to buy a product because it. "More and more in this disrupted world, reputation is what matters," Downs said. "For us, for a relatively small economy like New Zealand, it's important we protect our reputation. "That's not the job of just politicians. It's also the job of exporters and all of us."
NZ Herald
09-06-2025
- Business
- NZ Herald
Young Grower of the Year 2025: Sam Carter wins Hawke's Bay title
Sam Carter, assistant manager for T&G's Pakowhai sector, is the 2025 Hawke's Bay Young Grower of the Year. Hasting's Sam Carter, assistant manager for T&G's Pakowhai sector, has won the Hawke's Bay 2025 Young Grower regional title. He pitched his skills against seven fellow contestants to take the title on June 6. Carter will now compete against six other regional winners in the national Young Grower of the
Otago Daily Times
13-05-2025
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
Canterbury farm being converted from dairy to apples
A seaside dairy farm in Canterbury is being converted into an apple orchard. The conversion of the Pendarves farm is the first commercial planting of a new apple variety in Canterbury backed by superannuation funds. New Zealand fruit and vegetable giant T&G launched its Joli brand in 2023 following its Envy and Jazz varieties. Initially 125ha of the dairy farm will be planted in the spring, representing Canterbury's first commercial planting of the new variety following trials. T&G has entered into an agreement with the New Zealand Superannuation Fund through its rural investment manager FarmRight. The company is licensing the growing of its Joli apple brand to FarmRight, which will be responsible for planting and growing the 125ha. The farm site has not been publicly released until now. FarmRight has confirmed the Joli project is being undertaken at the Pendarves location. Signage at the gate states the project is being undertaken by FarmRight, NZSuperFund Rural Land Ltd, and Torea Orchards. Infrastructure development is also under way at the site. FarmRight is advertising for permanent and fixed-term staff to work on the orchard. Meanwhile, T&G Apples chief operating officer Shane Kingston recently told Allied Press one of the company's business goals was to have diversified growing. Local conditions suited the introduction of an apple orchard in Canterbury, he said. "We had already planted in Hawke's Bay with 55ha and when we were looking for conditions for Joli to be successful Canterbury came up really strongly when we think about climatic conditions, availability of water, soil types and land available for such a venture. So it made really good sense to diversify to Canterbury." He said FarmRight's development would start with the orchard infrastructure and carry through to the start of tree planting in spring. Apples could be harvested after four or five years, but trees would take seven years before they started fruiting at a commercially viable crop level, he said. "It just shows the level of commitment from the NZ Super Fund, FarmRight and T&G for the region and the variety. In the context it's a long-term play." Kingston said the partners had evaluated the projected returns from their investment in the Joli orchard. "As you could imagine with the decision been made here, the Super Fund and FarmRight are in a number of primary industry sectors, dairy included, so they have got a very good understanding lens on returns per hectare and for them this is a good investment."
NZ Herald
07-05-2025
- Business
- NZ Herald
Haumako Horticulture leads Wairoa's shift to high-tech apple farming
'My job is to forecast labour demand, so our orchard teams have the right people, in the right place, at the right time. This season, we've seen an influx of casual workers joining our cadets and permanent staff.' 'Together, they're managing logistics, forklifts, tractor operations, and fruit handling while studying their Level 3 Certificate in Primary Industries.' Once a grazing and cropping property, Haumako's 109-hectare Whakapau Farm now includes 30 hectares of high-density Envy apples—a premium variety grown under license from Turners and Growers (T&G). The fruit is processed at T&G's storage and export facilities, bound for global markets including China. The move into horticulture began with the development of Tara Orchard in partnership with Ohuia Incorporation. 'That success helped shape Haumako's more recent investments at Whakapau, where the goal is to position Wairoa as a thriving horticultural hub,' Russell said. 'This season marks a technological leap forward with the introduction of several automated picking platforms. These platforms replace the traditional ladder-and-bag method with conveyor belts that gently transport apples from tree to bin—improving fruit quality and reducing physical strain on workers.' Sirius Tamati-Smith, a cadet graduate and 2024 Gisborne Young Grower of the Year – Best Apple Grower, said the platforms were a game changer. 'The old way of ladder-picking, especially climbing to the eighth wire, has taken a real toll—particularly on our experienced workers. These platforms reduce the stress on their bodies and allow them to stay in the industry longer, mentoring the next generation.' Frank King, Block Lead at Tara Orchard said the benefits were already evident on the ground. 'There's real progress and productivity—and our team feels it. Less bending, less lifting, and less sick days.' The improved safety conditions have also reduced the risk of injury, while enhancing long-term retention of skilled orchard labour. 'We're seeing the kind of performance that shows this technology isn't just smart, it's necessary,' King said. Haumako currently employs 17 full-time orchard staff and prioritises hiring and upskilling locals—especially rangatahi—through its cadetship programme. Long-term plans include developing water storage facilities, new orchard infrastructure, and a purpose-built coolstore to support continued growth. 'This is about building more than an orchard. It's about creating long-term opportunities for our people and our region,' Russell said.
NZ Herald
07-05-2025
- Business
- NZ Herald
Haumako's innovation transforms Wairoa into horticultural hub
'My job is to forecast labour demand, so our orchard teams have the right people, in the right place, at the right time. This season, we've seen an influx of casual workers joining our cadets and permanent staff.' Haumako is at the peak of its Envy export apple harvest. 'Together, they're managing logistics, forklifts, tractor operations, and fruit handling while studying their Level 3 Certificate in Primary Industries.' Once a grazing and cropping property, Haumako's 109-hectare Whakapau Farm now includes 30 hectares of high-density Envy apples—a premium variety grown under license from Turners and Growers (T&G). The fruit is processed at T&G's storage and export facilities, bound for global markets including China. The move into horticulture began with the development of Tara Orchard in partnership with Ohuia Incorporation. 'That success helped shape Haumako's more recent investments at Whakapau, where the goal is to position Wairoa as a thriving horticultural hub,' Russell said. 'This season marks a technological leap forward with the introduction of several automated picking platforms. These platforms replace the traditional ladder-and-bag method with conveyor belts that gently transport apples from tree to bin—improving fruit quality and reducing physical strain on workers.' Sirius Tamati-Smith, a cadet graduate and 2024 Gisborne Young Grower of the Year – Best Apple Grower, said the platforms were a game changer. 'The old way of ladder-picking, especially climbing to the eighth wire, has taken a real toll—particularly on our experienced workers. These platforms reduce the stress on their bodies and allow them to stay in the industry longer, mentoring the next generation.' Frank King, Block Lead at Tara Orchard said the benefits were already evident on the ground. 'There's real progress and productivity—and our team feels it. Less bending, less lifting, and less sick days.' The improved safety conditions have also reduced the risk of injury, while enhancing long-term retention of skilled orchard labour. 'We're seeing the kind of performance that shows this technology isn't just smart, it's necessary,' King said. Haumako currently employs 17 full-time orchard staff and prioritises hiring and upskilling locals—especially rangatahi—through its cadetship programme. Long-term plans include developing water storage facilities, new orchard infrastructure, and a purpose-built coolstore to support continued growth. 'This is about building more than an orchard. It's about creating long-term opportunities for our people and our region,' Russell said. People interested in seasonal mahi at Haumako should email dwayne@
