FRESH TASTES:  Turners & Growers products on offer for Asian supermarket buyers at the Fruit Logisitca Expo in Hong Kong this week.

With trade to China expected to double over the next 5 years, the Turners & Growers group of companies are in Hong Kong for Asia’s biggest fresh produce expo, ASIA FRUIT LOGISTICA this week looking to increase horticulture’s contribution to export receipts.

“Six of New Zealand’s top 10 trading partners are in Asia,” said Jeff Wesley, Turners & Growers Managing Director who is attending ASIA FRUIT, “that figure reflects the shift away from traditional markets in the US and Europe.”

Since the China-NZ FTA came into effect in 2008, New Zealand’s exports to China have increased 144% making China alone New Zealand’s second largest export market, while trade with the rest of Asia continues its rapid expansion.

 Jeff Wesley says geographically Asia is much closer to ship to, meaning our produce arrives fresher, faster and more cost effectively and growers aren’t as vulnerable to the volatile currency fluctuations seen recently with our traditional trading partners. But, he says the main driver for growth is the rapidly growing middle-class who demand top quality produce.  “They want to know where it’s grown, how it’s grown and New Zealand’s reputation as a safe food producer is really critical.

“Having a strong presence at ASIA FRUIT as we do every year, is absolutely vital for Turners & Growers to build on New Zealand’s position in the expanding Asian market as the leading producer of premium quality fresh produce.”

 Blueberries exported to Asia have just recorded a bumper export season and the company’s exclusive new blueberry PVR varieties marketed as ENZABlue™, are being promoted to supermarket buyers at this week’s show.  The company is also developing its own blueberry orchards in Kerikeri.

 Jeff Wesley says Turners & Growers and its specialist exporters ENZA and Delica are also showcasing their premium apple varieties JAZZ™ and ENVY™, and ENZARed™, ENZAGold™ and Summerkiwi™ kiwifruit to the over 4000 international supermarket buyers, consumers and media at the show.

 “Our new blueberry varieties are getting a lot of attention in Asia because of their taste and health benefits,” says Delica Global General Manager Alistair Hulbert.  “While our growing season and specialist varieties also put us into a lucrative selling window in Asia, where we intend to grow the brand aggressively.”

Alistair Hulbert says Turners & Growers companies & brands have a great name internationally. “ We’re recognised as innovators, and the international fresh produce trade come our stand each year to search out what’s new and at the cutting edge.

“Across the world, retailers and consumers alike want our PVR varieties because they know it means they can get the quality, safety and taste they’ve come to expect from us, 12 months of the year.”

Delica Global has grown rapidly in recent years, due to a reputation for supplying the highest quality produce, and meeting stringent food safety requirements at the premium end of the Asian market.

About Asia Fruit Logistica:
ASIA FRUIT LOGISTICA Trade Expo in Hong Kong is Asia's leading trade show event for the international fresh fruit and vegetable business. Last year ASIA FRUIT attracted more than 4,100 of the global produce industry’s movers and shakers from 60 countries.
Key produce buyers from top global retailers across the region converge on ASIA FRUIT every year to find the latest innovations in fresh produce.
The Expo is being held between 7-9 September 2010 in Hong Kong at Hong Kong’s Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC).

About Turners & Growers:
Sells approximately of $1 billion of fresh produce globally each year.
45 companies worldwide in the Turners & Growers Group including ENZA.
New Zealand’s leading distributor, marketer and exporter of premium fresh produce
The largest corporate horticulture investor in New Zealand.
The largest grower of new apple varieties, hothouse tomatoes and citrus.
Own the largest network of fresh produce markets in New Zealand facilitating more than 200 million kilograms of fresh fruit and vegetables every day.
One of the largest operators of fruit cool stores and pack houses throughout New Zealand.
Operates a specialized fresh produce transport fleet in New Zealand that travels more than 4 million kilometers every year.

 About ENZA:
New Zealand’s largest apple exporter.
Sells fruit in more than 60 countries.
Grows apples in 12 countries.
One of the world’s best known produce brands.
Key supplier of fresh produce to 22 of the world’s top 25 retailers.
Owns the rights to new global varieties including JAZZ™and ENVY™ apples and ENZARed Kiwifruit.
Merged with Turners & Growers in 2003 to create global growing and distribution network.

 In 2007, Turners & Growers and Delica Group formed specialist produce exporting company, Delica Limited. The company is the largest diversified produce exporter in Australasia offering international customers a complete range of high quality fresh produce.