The current rivalries between France and New Zealand on the rugby field have not stopped both countries sharing the spoils of strong global demand for Jazz apples, according to the brand's representatives.
As the two nations prepare to lock horns in the quarter-finals of the Rugby World Cup this weekend, New Zealand's ambassador to France, James Kember, has returned from a trip to Saint-Aubin-le-Dépeint in central France, where he visited orchards growing the trademarked variety that was originally developed in New Zealand.
Kember took the opportunity to plant a Jazz tree, as well as head into a block on an orchard and pick fruit. Regardless of the result on the pitch on Saturday night, all parties seemingly agreed that Jazz was a big winner for both countries.
'Currently we grow Jazz in 11 countries around the world with France one of our largest producers behind New Zealand,” explained Marc Leprince, T&G’s manager for the Enza Europe office. “From original plantings in 2002 there are now 520ha planted in France by 50 producers.'
He added: 'It’s certainly a great honour that the New Zealand ambassador could be here and see our growing region. It has been a real partnership between the two countries that has made Jazz a success here in Europe and it’s a relationship that will last long after the final whistle blows on the rugby field.”
Jazz is not the only New Zealand variety that has found its way on to French soil. The Envy apple, a variety hugely popular in Asian markets, will also be planted over the next few years.
“Both Jazz and Envy are fantastic apples and we are incredibly passionate about giving consumers here in France and Europe the chance to enjoy them – alongside a great game of rugby,” Leprince said.
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