T&G Global has launched VentureFruit, a global genetics and variety management business. Built off T&G’s experience in creating value from new fruit varieties, VentureFruit will bring new fruit to consumers, retailers and growers around the world.
Coinciding with its launch, VentureFruit has signed two key partnerships. It is co-investing alongside science organisation Plant & Food Research in a range of new and unique berries, of which
VentureFruit will be the exclusive global commercialisation partner. In addition, it is also partnering with Plant IP Partners to test and evaluate new varieties of apples which have been bred in New Zealand.
Gareth Edgecombe, Chief Executive T&G Global, says unique plant genetics are critical to shaping the future of a sustainable, global fresh produce sector.
“With consumers’ needs continually evolving, it’s vital our sector delivers on taste, nutrition, convenience and sustainability. We need to provide consumers and customers with great tasting, healthy fruit, and at the same time ensure that what we grow and the way we do it has a light footprint. Plant genetics play a pivotal role in delivering this,” says Gareth.
“Over the course of T&G’s 124-year history, we’ve established a track record in global IP management and commercialisation, built from our deep expertise in plant varieties and our extensive network of the world’s best genetics and scientific partners. This has seen us create premium brands from exclusively licensed varieties, including Plant & Food Research’s cultivar ‘Scilate’ marketed as Envy™, which is today one of the leading apple brands in the United States and Asia. More recently, we commercialised the world’s first climate-adapted apple from the Hot Climate Programme, a collaboration between Plant & Food Research, IRTA, and Fruitfutur, to breed apples and pears
tailored for warm environments.
“Through unique varieties, our sector can grow high-value premium fresh produce. With this, increased value will be generated for consumers, retailers, growers and communities, and we can
help nurture our natural environment through adaptation and innovation.”
In addition to its two new partnerships, VentureFruit has established an extensive pipeline of premium apple, pear and berry varieties and will work with customers across the globe, as well as providing its
variety management services to T&G Global.
New berries for global consumers
VentureFruit has partnered with Plant & Food Research to co-invest in the development and breeding of a range of unique new berries, including raspberries, boysenberries, blackberries and hybrid berries. This is being called the Rubus programme. VentureFruit will be the strategic global commercialisation partner for this new range.
Peter Landon-Lane, Managing Director VentureFruit, says the berries are being bred to meet consumers’ needs and increasing global consumption.
“Over the last ten years, global berry consumption has more than doubled and consumption per capita is expected to rise further, with high demand coming from Europe and North America."
For more information:
Adrienne Sharp
T&G Global
Adrienne.Sharp@tandg.global
+64 (0)27 801 5534