New apple variety tipped to thrive in hotter, drier climates

Planting is under way in Hawke's Bay for a new apple developed in Spain with Kiwi genetics.

And according to its owner, it's tipped to thrive in hotter, drier climates.

Following in the footsteps of Envy, Dazzle, Jazz and Joli, the red apple Tutti is being rolled out for the export market.

The sweet, red variety was bred in a long-running apple and pear research collaboration between New Zealand and Spain.

"It's not a standard thing, but the reason we took amazing New Zealand genetics and bred and then selected them in places like the Catalan region is Spain is so we could be prepared for any future climate change that might bring tougher growing conditions for our producers," T&G general manager of global Morgan Rogers said.

T&G Global manages the IP through its subsidiary VentureFruit and confirmed Hawke's Bay grower X-Fruit had secured the license.

The first graftings and plantings in Hawke's Bay are under way. Around 100ha will be planted out over five years, with the initial crop expected to reach the market in around two years time.

Rogers said despite a challenging time for some growers, he was confident there will be commercial demand for the new apples.

"Broadly speaking the commodity trade for apples is looking patchy in some growing regions, due to supply and quality demand."

"What we are seeing, however, is the global premium apple category is expected to grow from US$13 billion in 2025, out to about US$19b in 2030."

He identified the research programme as the Hot Climate Partnership, with the fruit also suited for growing in regions such as Martinborough and Marlborough.

The apple has already been licensed to orchards in South America (300 ha), the EU and UK (300 ha) and China (300 ha).