The season’s first shipment of New Zealand grown Jazz apples has arrived into the UK, with British importers hopeful for a bumper year for the variety.
“Northern Hemisphere Jazz had literally just sold out and we made special arrangements for the immediate discharge of the vessel and deliveries of the fruit,” Gary Harrison, Commercial Manager at Worldwide Fruit, said.
New Zealand Jazz also arrived in mainland Europe earlier this week, via the Belgian Port of Antwerp. New Zealand has enjoyed a successful growing season, with a long, hot summer and little in the way of climatic issues.
The favourable growing conditions have meant sugar levels in the fruit are above the previous season, creating superb eating characteristics.
Harrison said the high quality was likely to remain throughout the remainder of the Southern Hemisphere season.
“To sell alongside New Zealand, we will also receive South African and Chilean Jazz over the coming months, with fruit quality also reported to be excellent,” he explained.
“Demand continues to grow in the UK for Jazz with the latest Kantar figures showing a valuation of £25.5m (US$39.6m) at retail level, an increase of 23% from 12 months ago.”
