By Hugh Stringleman

Copyright farmersweekly

Reading Time: < 1 minute T&G Fresh and Ngāpuhi-owned Kaikohe Berryfruit have announced a joint venture to expand the growing of blueberries and strawberries in Northland for domestic and export markets. T&G will contribute some blueberry cultivars, including a jumbo variety available during the winter months. Ngāpuhi Asset Holding Company chair Nick Wells said this promising partnership arises from the need to bring in horticulture expertise and the scale required to lift the financial and social benefits of the 10ha site at Ngāwha under cover and with irrigation. “This partnership gives us nine and a half years to maximise the sector expertise, market access, innovation, skills training and efficiencies, as well as working capital, to strengthen our horticulture asset and our own skills and capability. “We retain the whenua and have a share in the business, and as the joint venture grows it will open up employment opportunities for our people, creating pathways for skilled, rewarding careers in horticulture and agribusiness.” T&G Fresh will provide the partnership with orchard contracting services and serve as the exclusive sales agent as part of the agreement. Managing director Rod Gibson said around the globe berries are a high-growth category with strong demand.