Te Mata Exports (Te Mata) supplies fresh produce to Europe, North America, the Middle East, and India, with a strong focus on North and South East Asia. Long-standing relationships in key markets such as China, Japan, and Taiwan have established Te Mata as a trusted supplier. The company sources produce from New Zealand and Australia, as well as South America, North America, and other countries.
The New Zealand apple harvest has begun, with Te Mata growers harvesting their first fruit this week 7 -10 days earlier than normal.
Among their varieties is the a1 apple, a Te Mata exclusive, New Zealand-bred variety developed by locally renowned grower Kevin Bayley. Known as a leading early-season apple for its bright, full-block red colour with crisp sweet flesh.
"The a1 will be one of the first export varieties to be harvested," says Sarah McCormack, CEO of Te Mata. "Excellent growing conditions in Hawke's Bay have resulted in a strong crop of clean fruit with good colour. While we have been exporting commercial volumes of our a1 apple for a few years, our volumes are increasing as more plantings come on. We have decided to cap our plantings at 100ha, and all trees will be in the ground by 2026. Over the next five years, production will increase every year until we get to around 300,000 cartons annually."
Te Mata's main export markets for the a1 apple include Vietnam, China, and Japan, while other varieties are shipped across Asia, North America, and Europe.
Grapes
Te Mata also exports a wide range of grapes out of Australia and Peru, with the Australian harvest now underway. They are currently in the process of transitioning customers over from Peruvian supply to Australian supply as the seasons shift.
"We're excited to offer our range of grape varieties to our Japanese for the first time this year, following the approval of full market access for Japan."
Although Te Mata does not grow any exclusive grape varieties, their key growing partners provide access to a broad range of high-quality varieties. This season, favourable growing conditions in the Sunraysia district have delivered excellent fruit size and appearance, promising a vintage crop.
"The quality of the crop being harvested is exceptional, and we are confident in the overall taste and quality this season. Volumes across the region are up compared to last year, which will be welcomed by the industry after a challenging last season.
Te Mata ships grapes to several markets across Asia, with Japan being the largest market.
Logistics
Shipping and logistics presented challenges over the past few years, primarily due to delayed transits and equipment shortages. While improvements are being made, some challenges are expected to persist into this year.
"We know all our key shipping partners are working hard to try to address these issues," McCormack says. Some carriers are adjusting schedules in an effort to reduce delays, but this has resulted in limited options to some destinations and an increase in shipping rates."
"Despite the obstacles, our team remains committed to delivering high-quality produce to our customers worldwide and will continue to leverage our strong relationships with shipping partners to ensure timely and reliable deliveries."
For more information:
Sarah McCormack
Te Mata Exports
Email: sarah@temataexports.com
www.temataexports.co.nz