Greencollar, a Japanese entity, has recently completed its inaugural harvest of table grapes from 700 vines and is gearing up for the next summer's harvest from 1400 vines, with plans to plant an additional 1500 vines this season. This expansion will increase their vine count to approximately 3000, including the 400 vines planted in 2023. The company's focus is on cultivating premium grape varieties, Yuho and Violet King, which have proven to excel in Hawke's Bay's conducive grape-growing climate. These varieties are noted for their sweetness, flavor, and thin skins.
In New Zealand, commercial table grape cultivation has been limited, with only 30ha dedicated to this crop nationwide. Greencollar aims to leverage the East Coast's favorable growing conditions to expand this industry, starting with a 20-hectare plantation in Hastings. By 2029, the company anticipates reaching full production, yielding approximately 240 tonnes of high-quality table grapes primarily for export to Japan and wider Asia, alongside domestic sales in New Zealand, according to Shin Koizumi, the company's chief executive based in Hastings.
The cultivation of these specially-bred grapes involves meticulous care, including selecting only one bunch per shoot to remain on the vine, with the rest of the flowers being removed. The retained bunches are hand-thinned three times to enhance their fragrance and sweetness and are protected by delicate paper and umbrella shades. Greencollar not only aims to produce superior seedless table grapes, but also to ensure a work-life balance for its employees, contrasting with typical work conditions in Japan. Koizumi's vision for Greencollar was inspired by his desire for a lifestyle not confined to traditional white or blue-collar roles, influenced by his experiences in Yamanashi prefecture and his passion for grape cultivation and enhancing people's lives.
Source: ruralnewsgroup.co.nz