Fresh produce marketer Freshmax has been awarded the New Zealand marketing rights to the Kanzi apple variety.
In a media release the company said the announcement marks the end to years of trial and negotiation in order to secure the right to commercialise the variety, which is a cross between a Braeburn and a Royal Gala.
The first Kanzi trees are scheduled to be planted in Nelson and the Hawkes Bay during the New Zealand winter.
Freshmax CEO Tony Mahoney said he was optimistic Kanzi would provide a foundation for sustainable and profitable New Zealand apple returns in the future.
Kanzi is currently garnering a premium price over commodity varieties in European markets and this was expected to increase as new demand begins to outpace global supply, he said.
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