One new variety, so new it has yet to be named, is the Prem34, grown by Golden Bay Fruit in New Zealand. It is a cultivar from the New Zealand breeder Prevar, known for apples such a Rockit, Smitten and Sweetie apples as well as the Piqa® and Piqa®Boo® pears, which are also grown and exported by Golden Bay Fruit.New Zealand grower, Golden Bay is currently the biggest grower of the Prem34 apple with 50,000 trees being planted. "We have exporting rights from New Zealand and are in partnership with a group of like-minded growers from Australia, the US, Europe, South Africa and Chile. The apple will be grown in all these places to eventually provide a 12 month supply," explains Patrick Meikle from the company.
"The Prem34 really stands out from the crowd due to its full pink colour, its taste is exceptional, its sweet, crunchy, juicy and very refreshing to eat. We have had very positive feedback from tasting sessions that we have performed with customers from around the globe, some say that the taste is tropical and similar to a pineapple. We think that Prem34 will do very well in markets all around the world. Volumes this season will be limited and distributed to a few of the potential markets. Volumes will ramp up significantly over the next 2-3 years.
For more information:
Patrick Meikle
Golden Bay Fruit
patrick@goldenbayfruit.com