KANZI® apple growers are predicting a record crop with the harvest of the popular apple variety set to begin in the next few weeks, a little later than in previous seasons.
Horticulture Brand Management Australia Pty Ltd (HBMA) General Manager, Ms Elisa King says that even though the weather’s been against us, growers have had good pollination and as a result, have an abundance of Kanzi apples on the trees.
“With hail events across most regions, we’re lucky a significant investment in netting protected the crops means we’ve been spared the brunt of it,” Ms King said. “The characteristics of a Kanzi apple have strong consumer appeal with its unique sweet and tangy flavour, flesh that stays white for longer and an extremely juicy crunch. This year’s volume is forecast to exceed 5,800 tonnes of Kanzi apples, an 11 per cent increase on last year. This will help us keep up with demand and maintain quality supply into summer, with Aussies expected to munch through 34 million Kanzi apples this year.”
Souce: KANZI Apple Australia Facebook
She added that while the domestic market is HBMA’s priority, it will also continue to trial exports for the variety that is widely sought after for its distinct bi-coloured skin and high quality.
Kanzi apples, a blend of sweet Gala and tangy Braeburn, were introduced to Australia 15 years ago, they are grown in 75 orchards around Australia, including pristine growing regions of Batlow (NSW), Yarra Valley (Vic), Adelaide Hills, Manjimup (WA) Stanthorpe (QLD) and Huon (Tas).
Forty Kanzi growers recently met in Seville, east of Melbourne, and toured the Battunga and Old Oak Orchards, run by fourth and third-generation orchardists respectively. The growers discussed the season, potential markets, orchard insights and attended agronomist briefings. It is part of HBMA’s collaborative approach to working with growers and setting new benchmarks in quality fresh produce.
“Kanzi is still a relatively new variety in Australia and it’s a valuable opportunity to come together to share best practice learnings with other growers, as well as collectively plan for the future,” Mr Stephen Thompson, a fourth-generation orchardist from Hoddles Creek said.
Photo: KANZI growers at a recent meeting and orchard walks in Victoria.
HBMA will support the 2023 KANZI® season with a strategic domestic marketing program including radio, out-of-home, digital, print, public relations, social media, and in-store sampling.
“Our marketing programs have been working to grow awareness of KANZI® faster than other IP varieties, and this year we have our most significant investment ever,” Ms King said.
Kanzi apples will be available Australia-wide in major supermarkets, independent supermarkets and greengrocers from late March until Summer.
Source: HMBA Press Release
For more information:
Elisa King
Horticulture Brand Management Australia Pty Ltd
Phone: +61 403 378 888
elisa@hortbma.com.au
www.kanziapple.com/au/