A dairy farm located in Pendarves is transitioning into an orchard, marking the first commercial planting of a new apple variety in Canterbury. This development is supported by superannuation funds. New Zealand’s T&G, known for its Envy and Jazz apple varieties, introduced the Joli brand in 2023.
The initial phase involves planting 125 hectares on the former dairy site, establishing Canterbury’s first commercial Joli apple orchard after trial phases. T&G has partnered with the New Zealand Superannuation Fund through FarmRight, its rural investment manager, to license the Joli apple cultivation. FarmRight will oversee the planting and management of the orchard.
The Ashburton Courier confirmed the Pendarves location for the Joli project with FarmRight. Signage at the site indicates collaboration between FarmRight, NZSuperFund Rural Land Ltd, and Torea Orchards. Infrastructure work is ongoing, and FarmRight is recruiting staff for permanent and fixed-term positions at the orchard.
T&G Apples COO Shane Kingston emphasized the goal of diversified growing, noting that Canterbury’s conditions are favorable for apple orchards. He stated, “We had already planted in Hawke’s Bay with 55ha, and when we were looking for conditions for Joli to be successful, Canterbury came up strongly when we think about climatic conditions, availability of water, soil types, and land available for such a venture. So it made good sense to diversify to Canterbury.”
The development will begin with orchard infrastructure, proceeding to tree planting in spring. Apples are expected to be harvested after four to five years, with trees reaching commercially viable production levels in seven years. Kingston noted, “It just shows the level of commitment from the NZ Super Fund, FarmRight and T&G for the region and the variety. In the context, it’s a long-term play.”
Kingston mentioned that the partners have assessed the projected returns from their investment. He stated, “As you could imagine with the decision having been made here, the Super Fund and FarmRight are in several primary industry sectors, dairy included, so they have got a very good understanding lens on returns per hectare and for them this is a good investment.”
The NZ Super Fund’s investment in horticulture aims to generate wealth for New Zealanders and produce high-quality food for global markets, supported by FarmRight and T&G.
Source: The Ashburton Courier
