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The apple was bred by a fruit-science company HortResearch (now Plant and Food Research) who are world-renowned  for having successfully bred the hugely successful Jazz^® and Pacific Series^® apples.

The apple, which is protected through a Plant Variety Right (a kind of plant patent) under the development name T17, does not yet have a trademarked brand name; this will be disclosed at a later time closer to fruit availability.

The apple, has a full acid-sweet flavour profile, is refreshing and juicy and has a stunning crunchy texture, it willhave very wide consumer appeal. this apple also has superb storage and shelf life easily retaining it's quality and is a robust, grower-friendly selection.

The apple has undergone field trials over the last 3 years. Freshco has trees planted in semi commercial quantities in Nelson and the Hawkes Bay areas. A further significant planting in Nelson this winter now sees Freshco with a significant investment in this variety and will allow for our full involvement in what we hope will be successful commercialisation.

Prevar™ Limited throught that the best way to commercialise the variety is to involve the major producers and sellers of apples rather than trying to keep T17 exclusive. The main NZ apple participants, such as Freshco, have formed a company - T Seventeen Ltd Company - to take the variety forward. All companies will invest in planting the variety and all will have access to its marketing, but a common, managed strategy for export with selected receivers in key markets anticipated.

We believe it is critical to be investing in the future of apple production and exports from New Zealand so that we can continue to be an important part of your supply base and this is just one of initiatives Freshco has pursued. Others exclusive to Freshco varieties such as Sonya™ and Breeze™ along with our extensive trial orchard in Nelson, where we are looking at many new varieties, as well as growing techniques, under commercial planting conditions, completes our new variety and trial work involvement.

Please contact us should you require any further information.