Contrary to most reports from New Zealand, it would appear not all apple growers are grubbing up or reducing production - Turners & Growers have announced a move which could see production of an extra 1 million cartons of fruit.
The extra fruit and 250 jobs are expected to be created in a joint venture between the Inglis family of Riwaka and T&G.
While the rest of the industry is considering grubbing up their orchards, the Inglis family has moved to replace 120 hectares of hops with dwarfed trees from new cultivars such as jazz and T22.
Byron Inglis, general manager of the newly formed joint venture company, to be known as Inglis Horticulture Ltd, said the 50/50 partnership with Turners and Growers was valued at NZ$15 million or more and could be seen as a signal of hope for all orchardists supplying Enza.
The planting of the first 60ha of the 120ha development is complete, with a first, limited harvest expected in 2007.
Tony Gibbs, Turners & Growers chairman, said the joint venture sent out a message of confidence in the industry during a time when it was at a low ebb.
He said he was confident the new apples would sell well internationally, especially with Enza's marketing clout.
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