Agreement sees Mt Erin Group manage the growing, sales and distribution for new apple variety ‘MAC12’
VentureFruit, T&G Global’s IP management and commercialisation business has announced a new agreement between local Hawke’s Bay breeders, Plant IP Partners, and the Mt Erin Group, to license a new apple variety ‘MAC12’, to support Mt Erin’s cyclone recovery.
Mt Erin Group, a well-established apple growing and marketing organisation in Hawke’s Bay, had their orchards severely impacted by Cyclone Gabrielle in February 2023. As the business worked through its recovery plans, it actively sought a new premium apple variety to support its long-term vision and growth.
Morgan Rogers, general manager of VentureFruit, said Mt Erin’s determination to build back stronger, combined with its commitment to producing high-quality apples for both domestic and international markets, made them an ideal licensing partner for ‘MAC12’.
“Over the past two years, the Mt Erin Group has shown incredible resilience and dedication to Aotearoa New Zealand’s apple industry, focusing on recovery and investing in their business to emerge stronger than ever. We are delighted to collaborate with them on this exciting new apple variety and support their recovery plans,” said Rogers.
Des Wilson, director of Mt Erin Group, echoed this sentiment, noting that the search for a new variety had been a priority for the past couple of years.
“‘MAC12’ came along at the perfect time,” said Wilson. “[Cyclone] Gabrielle left us with a lot of bare land, [but] out of adversity came this amazing opportunity. This variety suits our brand of exceptional quality, and we are very excited about its future.”
Currently known by its varietal name, ‘MAC12’ is the first apple to come out of a local breeding programme co-partnered by VentureFruit and Plant IP Partners. The programme has been testing a selection of new apple varieties across growing regions throughout New Zealand, with the aim of identifying unique new varieties with global appeal.
According to VentureFruit, ‘MAC12’ shows great promise due to its high yield and excellent storability.
“This radiant red apple is balanced, crisp and refreshing, with unique, intense notes of lychee,” said Rogers. “We believe it has the potential to become a favourite amongst both growers and consumers and stand out in a highly competitive environment.”
VentureFruit works with high-calibre breeding partners in key growing regions globally in order to offer tailored solutions for local growers.
“Our goal is to create new, high-quality apple varieties that meet both growing and market needs. We prioritise what consumers want in an apple, such as taste and appearance, while also considering how well the apples grow,” explained Rogers.
“This is the first release from our breeding programme with Plant IP Partners, and there is a strong pipeline of further new apple varieties in the final stages of assessment.”
While the variety has not been commercially released, and the plant material is not yet available for purchase, Mt Erin Group will manage the growing, sales and distribution for ‘MAC12’.
The fruit, which will be marketed under a yet-to- be-determined brand name, is expected to be available for domestic consumers from 2028 onwards.
