As the 8th China International Import Expo is being held in Shanghai, 45 South, a New Zealand-based cherry subsidiary in Central Otago, is actively communicating with Chinese retail customers to share the vast market, create new opportunities, strengthen cooperation, and successfully introduce new varieties. On the morning of November 10th, 45 South successfully held a strategic cooperation signing ceremony with its retail partners at the New Zealand Centre in Shanghai. New Zealand's Minister for Trade and Investment, Hon Todd McClay, New Zealand's Ambassador to China, Jonathan Austin, New Zealand's Consul General in Shanghai, Ardi Barnard, and several leaders from New Zealand Trade and Enterprise attended the event and witnessed the signing ceremony.
45 South is one of New Zealand's largest cherry growers, with operations covering cultivation, selection, packaging, export, and marketing. 45 South exports to more than 15 countries and regions worldwide, with China being an important export destination. Strengthening its strategic presence in the Chinese market and deepening collaboration with partners is of significant strategic importance to 45 South.
© 45 South
Trade Minister Todd McClay with Mr Zhou partner from Changzhou
"Understanding Chinese consumers' pursuit of ultimate freshness, 45 South is committed to optimizing every step from harvesting and selection to transportation, building an efficient closed loop and fulfilling its promise of delivering cherries from Central Otago orchards, New Zealand to Chinese consumers in as little as 72 hours," said Richard Cameron, Sales and Marketing Manager from 45 South.
At this event, 45 South highlighted its exclusive protected variety, Sentennial, to its partners. "As a late-ripening variety, its harvest season falls between late January and early February, and it has earned a strong reputation in the market for its consistent quality, large size, and firm, crisp, and sweet flesh. This variety will be in full production this season, coinciding with the Chinese New Year consumption peak, and is expected to become a star cherry product in the holiday market."
© 45 South
Some of 45 South's key brands
New Zealand's Minister for Trade and Investment, Hon Todd McClay, stated at the event that agricultural trade between New Zealand and China is a very important economic and trade cooperation between the two countries. New Zealand cherries are loved by Chinese consumers for their excellent quality and fresh taste. He hopes that this strategic cooperation between 45 South and its Chinese retail clients will continue to drive trade growth and achieve mutual benefit.
As key retail partners of 45 South, representatives from Qingguolian, Xinrongmao, and Yulu Space attended the event and signed strategic cooperation agreements with 45 South on-site.
"All parties agreed that New Zealand cherries, with their superior quality and guaranteed freshness from direct air freight, have become a key sales item for stores during the Spring Festival. This collaboration is a powerful alliance, especially with 45 South's exclusive late-ripening variety, Sentennial, now in mass production, which is sure to win widespread consumer favor. All participants expressed high expectations for the new season's cooperation."
Richard commented that the pollination had been good and orchards had come through the tricky spring period well, "Our first early export variety Chelan should begin harvest 12th of December, everything is indicating we will have plenty of our high-quality cherries for loyal customers around the world from then until early February."
For more information:
Richard Cameron
45 South
Tel: +64 21 2275 932
[email protected]
www.45s.co.nz
