Giumarra’s Wenatchee sales division is gearing up for its summer offering of New Zealand fruit, beginning with Nature’s Partner Meyer lemons, which the group says will be available immediately via air shipment.
Meyer lemons will be closely followed by Diva-branded apples, which will be available at Giumarra from the beginning of June.
Updates to Giumarra’s New Zealand Meyer lemon programme include more volume and earlier availability, with Jason Bushong, Giumarra Wenatchee division manager, expecting the crop to be 20 per cent larger and two weeks earlier than last year due to favourable growing conditions.
“Recent cooler temperatures have brought on some nice colour, so we can begin air shipments to the US right away,” explains Bushong. “The first vessel with fruit is expected the first week of July, with arrivals through the middle of September.
'Meyer lemons have become so popular with consumers that they now have mass appeal,' he notes.
Also popular with consumers is the Diva apple, Giumarra says, a bright red, premium apple with high flavour and aroma.
The Diva apple is exclusively grown in New Zealand orchards specifically selected for high quality soil, ocean breezes, and plentiful summer sunshine hours. The combination of ideal climate and environment produces the sweet, dense flesh Diva is known for.
“We’re looking forward to our second year of offering the Diva to our customers on both coasts,” adds Bushong. “We expect larger volumes this year due to the excellent growing season in New Zealand.”
