The first containers of T&G’s new-season New Zealand premium ENVY-branded apples departed Napier Port this week, bound for Shanghai, China.
Harvested in Gisborne, the departing fruit signals the start of a busy export period for New Zealand-grown ENVY, which will be shipped to over 55 countries.
Shane Kingston, T&G’s Chief Operating Officer Apples, said this season’s premium ENVY-branded apples are of exceptional quality, and global customers are eagerly awaiting their arrival.
“Over the last 16 years, we’ve invested significantly in building ENVY branded apples to become one of the leading premium apple brands in key global markets, including Viet Nam, Thailand, China and the United States,” said Kingston.
“To do this, it requires an integrated system where each step of the supply chain is focused on ensuring our consumers and customers have a great consistent eating experience, every time, regardless of where the fruit is grown, and that we return strong value back to our growers.”
He added that this year’s premium ENVY crop is set to do this. With the weather returning to a more normalised pattern, this year’s crop has superb colour, great crunch and a delicate sweet flavour.
“This will support our customers' seamless transition from Northern Hemisphere-grown ENVY to Southern Hemisphere supply.”
For the 2025 New Zealand apples season, across all varieties and brands, T&G has forecasted total exports of 4.4 million tray carton equivalents (TCEs), which equated to 79,200 tonnes of apples. This is the largest crop since 2022.
“Our customers will be excited by the increased ENVY apple volumes this season, as we work hard to meet growing consumer demand for the brand.”
In recent months, T&G experienced excellent Lunar New Year sales across Asia, with the momentum holding strong after the festive period. In the United States, ENVY is the second highest branded apple for units purchased per trip and the third highest for repeat shopper visits. This underscores consumers’ strong preference for premium ENVY-branded apples.
