New Zealand’s long-awaited apricots are nearing release

New Zealand’s summer fruit industry has created NZ Summerfresh Ltd to market three new apricot varieties introduced by plant and food research after nearly two decades of research and development.

New apricot varieties are being tested in parts of Central Otago and the North Island.

Following its inaugural annual meeting on August 8, chairman Stephen Darling announced that NZ Summerfresh Ltd would become a farmers’ co-operative to market its own varieties for export and domestic consumption from the late summer of 2022-2023.

50,000 trees covering 60 hectares of new varieties are being tested in Central Otago, the South Island and parts of the North Island. Twenty growers, including a mix of established and new summer fruit growers, have tested varieties under license and have been approved as partners. Others are expected to enter the program with an open door policy.

“These varieties have the potential to revitalize and relaunch the premium apricot variety on the world stage. The apricots obtained for their taste, color and character are significantly better than any other apricot I know of and the best in the world.” “Twenty years of research and development between industry and plant and food research has finally paid off. This is an exciting development for New Zealand’s summer fruit industry, growers and consumers. The varieties (currently NzSummer2, Nzsummer3 and Nzsummer4) are serious. Crisp, juicy texture and lots of colour. Sweet. Two varieties can be stored for a long time and will target the export markets. The other variety will go to the domestic market. The varieties will cover the uninterrupted season. From December to the end of February,” Darling said.

“Markets in Asia, Australia and America will be the initial targets. Australia is an important market because our season complements Australian produce well. Our apricots will come after local produce, which will extend the season. Asian consumers prefer apricots. More sweet, less acidic and brighter. Color, the properties we can offer,” continued Darling.

The first test batches will arrive this summer
“Blocks will be small this coming summer, trials will be sent to key customers and consumers, and the fruit will grow significantly as it ripens. Full production is expected in 2025-2027.”

Founding director Roger Brownlie, who chairs the industry’s governing body Summerfruit NZ and is a summer fruit grower himself, said the long road to commercialization was the brainchild of Summerfruit’s board of directors in 2001.

“This is the result of a lot of work. It has taken the efforts of three CEOs, teams of plant and food scientists, industry collaborations and farmers. The dream come true to represent the interests of farmers and stakeholders, giving cooperative farmers the opportunity to control their own destiny and work for the common good,” added Brownlee.

Darling said the next steps include creating a strategic business framework that includes brand design and a marketing plan. MarketingIdentify export markets (existing, new and non-traditional) and establish optimal harvest and quality standards.

“We will strive to provide a sustainable product. This includes understanding growing behaviors, the best harvest time for optimal consumption, access to seasonal workers and carrying out storage and transportation tests. Negotiations with plant and food research on two other apricot varieties. Cooperative members with exceptional taste and eating experience to market. Other new summer fruit varieties will be actively sought,” concluded Darling.

Categories:

• Nzsummer2: medium size, orange color with a Embarrassingly Bright red. A classic and sweet apricot. Harvest is in early February.
• Nzsummer3: Medium size, red color appearance, high Brix, has recessive ethylene gene which prolongs storage. Harvest is in mid to late February.
• Nzsummer4: Medium size, very sweet. It will go to the New Zealand market. Harvest in December.

For more information:
Stephen Darling
NZ Summerfresh Limited
Phone: +64 27 5899 335
Email: [email protected]