International fruit grower-marketer T&G Global is optimistic about sales of its Southern Hemisphere apples in China this season thanks to a great crop and a new marketing approach.
General manager of T&G’s Shanghai office Ignacio Smith says the group’s New Zealand and Chilean apple deals are looking “really great”.
“We are particularly excited about the sales possibilities for Jazz and Envy varieties in China this season, since both have good volumes and great quality so far.”
The China team has also strengthened its apple marketing structure with the appointment of a pipfruit specialist to forge new business in the market.
“We have a new key account manager structure in Shanghai in order provide a truly customer-centric approach to the Chinese market,” Smith explains.
“Robin Qin has been appointed pipfruit specialist for China, which is very exciting, and we are sure it will help capture new opportunities for our apple business.”
As Asiafruit went to press in late March, T&G’s Shanghai office was transitioning slowly from Peruvian grapes to Australian and Chilean supplies. He said it was very difficult to source grapes from South Africa for China this season. Australian grapes were also hard to get hold of due to strong demand from other markets, he added, but predicted fruit would start coming on stream from April onwards.
