Collaboration combines T&G’s decade-long export expertise and Sandher’s premium growing capabilities to target key Asian markets including China, Vietnam, and Thailand
New Zealand-based fresh produce company T&G Global has formed a new strategic relationship with Sandher Fruit Packers, one of Canada’s leading cherry growers, in what is seen as a “significant step forward” for North America’s cherry business.
As a result, T&G takes on responsibility for the sales and marketing of Sandher’s cherries and creates what it describes as a fully integrated marketing model built around a 100 per cent family-owned grower and packer.
T&G has exported cherries to Asia for more than a decade, supplying markets including Vietnam, Thailand, China, and Taiwan, and averaging more than 250,000 (5kg) boxes each year.
The new collaboration is expected to accelerate significantly the international expansion of Canadian cherry exports.
“We’re excited to partner with T&G Global, a company we trust for their world-class export expertise and their ability to consistently deliver top dollar for growers,” said Prab Sandher, president of Sandher Fruit Packers. “We see tremendous value in working with T&G, not only for their market access, but for their shared commitment to quality and long-term relationships.”
Nick Bright, senior category manager at T&G Global, added: “This relationship represents more than just volume; it’s about delivering quality, trust, and long-term value to our customers across Asia. We’re thrilled to represent Sandher globally for their exports and work alongside trusted partners like Oppy for sales and marketing support.”
New opportunities
T&G’s cherry supply programme starts in California from the start of May to early June, followed by Oregon from until late July, with Canada’s season extending from early July to the end of August.
Sandher recently planted a number of new orchards at high elevation, and these are expected to extend the Canadian season into mid-September by 2027, potentially offering a significant advantage in late-season markets.
“This season, we’re expecting exceptional fruit – large sizing, high colour, and excellent firmness delivered with precision and care,” Sandher adds. “Together, we’re setting a new standard for what premium cherry programmes can look like.”
Bright said he believed T&G’s agility during volatile times would bring value to the deal. “As we navigate ongoing trade shifts, particularly the impact of tariffs between the US and China, Canadian origin gives us a strong competitive edge for accessing key markets like China,” he noted.
“Our strategy is to distribute 30 per cent of volume to the US, 20 per cent within Canada, and focus the remaining 50 per cent on exports. Markets like China, Korea, Japan, Vietnam, and Thailand are central to this plan.
“With Sandher’s ability to meet high-standard protocols like the systems approach, we’re confident in our ability to grow sustainably and deliver exceptional quality worldwide.”
