X Fruit becomes New Zealand licensee for Tutti apple
Add Fresh Fruit Portal to GoogleVentureFruit has appointed X Fruit Limited as the New Zealand licensee for Tutti apples, paving the way for its first commercial plantings in the country.
Under the agreement, the company has exclusive rights to grow and manage the ‘HOT84A1’ variety (marketed as Tutti in New Zealand), as well as rights to pack, market and sell the fruit through the peer-to-peer program.
X Fruit is initially allowed to grow 247 acres of the cultivar, with the first commercial plantings of the variety in New Zealand going into the ground in Hawke’s Bay this month.
The expanding Tutti apple program
Since its launch in February 2023, the program has established a growing international network of licensees. X Fruit joins partners including FruitFutur in Catalonia, Worldwide Fruit in the United Kingdom, Copefrut in Latin America and Joy Wing Mau in China.
“The appointment takes the program to around 2,500 hectares licensed worldwide, bringing us closer to our ambition of 3,000 acres by 2030," said Morgan Rogers, General Manager of VentureFruit, in a statement.
Gurpreet Singh, Operations Manager at X Fruit, says the variety’s eating experience and fit with the premium export markets made it a strong addition to the company’s portfolio.
“We have been impressed by the eating quality and market potential of Tutti apples. We believe this variety can appeal to consumers seeking high-quality, premium apples,” Singh said.
Tutti joins X Fruit's rich portfolio
X Fruit has built a strong presence in the premium branded apple sector and is a licensee of several leading varieties, including ENVY apples. The new cultivar broadens its portfolio as the company continues to focus on premium apples that meet evolving consumer expectations.
Image by Tutti
“The addition of Tutti apples complements our existing portfolio and aligns with our long-term focus on the high-value export markets,” says Singh.
The first apples of the variety grown by X Fruit are expected to become available to consumers from approximately 2028.
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