John Bostock with Jane Maclean eating an organic Dazzle apple which Bostock said is the best apple he has ever grown organically in his 30 years of growing organic apples. Photo / Supplied
John Bostock with Jane Maclean eating an organic Dazzle apple which Bostock said is the best apple he has ever grown organically in his 30 years of growing organic apples. Photo / Supplied
New Zealand's largest organic apple producer cannot keep up with the Chinese demand for New Zealand's newest apple, Dazzle.
Bostock New Zealand owner John Bostock says Dazzle is the best apple he has ever grown organically in his 30 years of growing organic apples.
"Without any doubt I believe this is the best apple since the worldwide domination of New Zealand Royal Gala. It looks and tastes amazing, its bright red and sweet and it also yields and packs well."
It's the first year that Bostock New Zealand has had commercial volumes of organic Dazzle apples available for Chinese retailers.
Last year's successful trial shipments proved popular among Chinese consumers which had retailers wanting to order more.
"We have been thrilled and delighted with the demand and reception in Asia despite these tough unprecedented times with Covid-19. We think in normal times Dazzle is going to be even better."
Bostock New Zealand has invested heavily in Dazzle apple plantings and will have 600,000 cartons in the next five years.
"Dazzle is fast becoming one of our most important apple varieties. It has got a strong future and Bostock New Zealand is excited to have exclusive rights to grow and sell organic Dazzle," Bostock said.
Bostock International market manager Jane Maclean said the demand this season has also been driven by the continued growing awareness of organic produce in China.
"Organics has been big this year in China in the wake of Covid-19. It has pushed more consumers to search for safer food options with personal health becoming even more of a focus."
Jacky Qin, left, Bostock New Zealand sales representative in China, with Vera Chen, NZTE business development manager, showing off the organic Dazzle variety. Photo / Supplied
The Dazzle apple is a large, red, sweet apple which has taken 20 years to develop by Plant and Food Research in New Zealand and is targeted at the Asia market.
"It's sweet, it's red and its crunchy. It is everything that the China market wants and is providing the perfect eating experience for Chinese consumers," Maclean said.
"It also has a long supply window. We can sell Dazzle in the markets from April through to September with very little quality issues. It's not like some of the other apple varieties which need to be sold quickly as they don't store well. Dazzle also ensures less wastage for the retailers, so it's an attractive option for them."
Bostock New Zealand has been selling organic apples direct to Chinese retailers for five years and MacLean says this model is working well for Dazzle, which has a strong brand behind it and offers retailers plenty of marketing and promotional investment.
Costco China is selling Bostock Organic Dazzle this year and has been very happy with the customer feedback so far.
The organic market in China has been slower to develop than other markets, but with Costco and other major retailers on board, there is now some significant growth in the organic fresh produce category.
It is New Zealand Apple Week in China, which is supported by the New Zealand Government, (NZTE New Zealand Trade and Enterprise). Dazzle apples are featuring heavily in the promotions.
