The main focus for Te Mata Exports over the past two years has been building on their core product lines, particularly apples, and developing the business further across Asia.
"As a business, we're continuing to expand our reach and steadily grow. It's not a complicated formula – we're fortunate to have the right balance of experience, geographical spread, strong relationships and a continuous focus on delivering for growers and customers. Our team live and breath our tagline of 'securing the best, suppling the world'," explains CEO Sarah McCormack.
"In terms of NZ apples, we made significant strides with our IP varieties this season. The rebrand of our a1 apple was well received across all markets. The early timing, together with the full red colour and sweet taste are what make this variety stand-out. Demand was high and all of our customers have indicated that they want to take more volume next season. We have now got 100 hectares committed to be planted across Hawke's Bay and Gisborne by 2026.
Te Mata have also celebrated their first commercial harvest of Cosmic Crisp. This variety, which stores well and improves in taste over time, was harvested at the end of March.
"We've only just sent airfreight samples out to customers and received excellent feedback. We plan on shipping small volumes out in the next few weeks. The timing is great, as this fruit will arrive at a time when there won't be a lot of other apples in the market and it will coincide with Mid-Autumn Festival which is really a plus for our customers. Growers are showing good interest in Cosmic Crisp, many of whom are in the process of redeveloping their orchards. Growers really like the way it performs in the orchard and that it requires minimal inputs compared to other varieties. We see a very promising future for this variety in New Zealand."
Te Mata are also in the process of redeveloping their own apple orchard in Hawke's Bay following the damage incurred by Cyclone Gabrielle last year. The orchard will now be predominantly planted in the a1 and Cosmic Crisp varieties.
"Next year, we are planning on doing more in-market promotion for both a1 and Cosmic Crisp as our volumes increase. It is essential that these varieties are profitable for our growers, and in order to do that, we are limiting the volume we are planting of both varieties in New Zealand at 100 hectares for a1 and 150 hectares for Cosmic Crisp. By maintaining demand and ensuring good returns, we are confident our growers will benefit."
Te Mata will be at Asia Fruit Logistica in Hall 5 Booth: 5-5Q20
For more information:
Sarah McCormack
Te Mata Exports
Tel: +64 21 622 768
[email protected]
www.temataexports.co.nz