Te Mata Exports’ main focus over the past two years has been on further developing its core product lines, particularly apples, and continuing to grow its business across Asia.

“As a company, we continue to expand our reach and grow steadily. It’s not a complicated formula – we’re fortunate to have the right balance of experience, geographic spread, strong relationships and a continuous focus on satisfying growers and customers. Our team lives and breathes our slogan ‘Securing the Best, Supplying the World’,” explains CEO Sarah McCormack.

“In New Zealand apples, we have made great progress this season with our IP varieties. The rebranding of our A1 apple has been well received in all markets. The early timing, along with the rich red colour and sweet flavour, sets this variety apart. Demand has been high and all our customers have indicated they would like to take more volume next season. We have now committed to planting 100 hectares in Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne by 2026.

Te Mata also celebrated its first commercial harvest of Cosmic Crisp, a variety that stores well and improves flavour over time, harvested in late March.

“We have just shipped air freight samples to customers and have had excellent feedback. We plan to ship small quantities over the next few weeks. The timing is ideal as this fruit arrives at a time when there are not many other apples on the market and it coincides with the Mid-Autumn Festival, which is really a plus for our customers. Growers are showing a lot of interest in Cosmic Crisp, many of them are in the process of re-designing their orchards. Growers like the way it develops in the orchard and that it requires minimal intervention compared to other varieties. We see a very promising future for this variety in New Zealand.”

Te Mata is also rebuilding his own apple orchard in Hawke’s Bay following the damage caused by Cyclone Gabrielle last year. The orchard is now planted primarily with the a1 and Cosmic Crisp varieties.

“Next year we plan to promote both a1 and Cosmic Crisp more in the market as our volumes increase. It is important that these varieties are profitable for our growers and to achieve this we are limiting the amount of both varieties planted in New Zealand to 100 hectares for a1 and 150 hectares for Cosmic Crisp. By maintaining demand and ensuring good yields we are confident our growers will benefit.”

Te Mata will be present at Asia Fruit Logistica in Hall 5, Stand 5-5Q20.

For more information:
Sarah McCormack
Te Mata Exports
Phone: +64 21 622 768
(email protected)
www.temataexports.co.nz