China: NZ Sonya Apples launch ceremony

On April 25, the launch ceremony for the Sonya Apples from New Zealand took place at the Jiangnan Wholesale Market in Guangzhou. Yuanxing Fruit Ltd organized the event. As a rising star from New Zealand, Sonya apples are entering the domestic market in China with a strong momentum. With the strict control of its production, the Sonya brand provides Chinese consumers with apples of superior quality and a better taste. Yuanxing Fruit has full confidence in the market prospects of such an outstanding apple variety.

John Mangan from Freshco started the ceremony by acknowledging the marketing efforts in China made by Yuanxing Fruit. He introduced this high-quality apple variety and expressed his confidence in its market potential in China.

According to Mr. Shaoshun Lu, general manager of Yuanxing, "We have cooperated with Freschco (owner of the Sonya brand) for many years. Freshco has been exporting quality produce from New Zealand with its great experience in plant breeding and cultivation. We have, for years, constantly tried to introduce new varieties to the Chinese market, such as Breeze, Cheekie and New Zealand pumpkins. The Sonya apple is just one of the numerous varieties we provide for the market. The supply of Sonya apples lasts from April to August. This variety is currently cultivated mainly in New Zealand but has gradually spread to countries like Chile and the United States. Sonya apples are available in major supermarkets, as well as e-commerce platforms and wholesale markets."

"Currently, Sonya apples are still at a preliminary stage of cultivation, with a relatively small growing area. Another important factor is the difficulty in plant management, which results in lower yields compared to varieties like Gala, Queen and Rose. That's why the export volume of quality Sonya apples to China is so low, only 10 containers maximum this year. Many farmers are reluctant to grow Sonya because of the low yields, and Chinese consumers can only enjoy this outstanding apple variety because Freshco has been steadfastly promoting its cultivation. We plan to make Sonya a rising star from New Zealand, known for its scarce supply and excellent quality. We will provide the consumers with this great apple variety via multiple distribution channels. At the same time, we'll combine the supply from other production areas of Sonya to achieve longer or even year-round supply."

The exciting lighting ceremony was followed by a lion dance performance, which attracted many people from the audience, including business clients.

The wonderful performances of various kinds bought a cheerful atmosphere to the event.

"This batch of Sonya apples is the first container imported to China by Yuanxing Fruit this year. We will continue to work with Freshco in variety development to provide domestic customers with more options of quality products from New Zealand. "