New Zealand-based innovation company connects with Australian growers to discuss future opportunities
Prevar has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering greater value for Australian apple and pear growers through the development of premium intellectual property (IP) varieties designed to meet evolving consumer preferences and market opportunities.
Speaking at a grower and industry engagement event in Melbourne, Prevar CEO Tony Martin outlined the company’s focus on turning world-class breeding innovation into commercial success for growers.
“Our goal is to provide growers with access to high-quality cultivars that combine strong orchard performance with clear consumer appeal,” said Martin.
Australia has been part of the Prevar story from the beginning, with Apple & Pear Australia (Apal) remaining a shareholder, alongside New Zealand Apples and Pears and the Bioeconomy Science Institute.
Developed through two decades of breeding innovation in New Zealand, Prevar’s varieties continue to create opportunities for growers across both New Zealand and Australia. The breeding programme assesses around 50,000 seedlings each year, with only a small number progressing through to commercialisation. New selections are evaluated for grower performance, consumer appeal, and commercial potential. Australian growers play an important role in evaluating new selections and helping shape future variety development.
Building on the success of varieties including Dazzle, Rockit and Sassy, Prevar is also progressing new opportunities in pears through the Piqa programme, with trials underway across several Australian growing regions.
Prevar continues to invest in Australia through local variety evaluation, grower engagement, and opportunities for growers to gain greater visibility of emerging varieties.
“We’re focused on developing varieties that deliver value for growers and meet the needs of consumers and markets,” Martin said. “Strong grower partnerships and local insights remain central to that work.”
