"The parents and grandparents of the PremA129 variety all come from New Zealand. This has taken decades of work and investment by scientists at Plant and Food Research and the New Zealand pipfruit industry to develop a truly New Zealand apple with strong kiwi heritage," said Mr Volz.
Fruitcraft, a marketing collaboration between three of New Zealand's largest growers, Mr Apple, Bostock New Zealand and Freshmax, has been granted the master licensing rights for production and marketing worldwide.
Fruitcraft manager Steve Potbury says this is an exciting opportunity for New Zealand apple growers and others around the world.
"Dazzle is targeted towards the growing Asian markets. It has all the qualities which appeal to Asian consumers. It is a big, highly coloured and sweet. We want to work with all growers to ensure they can grow and market it through their preferred exporter. This is a collaborative approach, which gives growers the chance to be involved from the orchards to the markets," says Mr Potbury.
Over 100,000 trees are already being grown by growers in New Zealand including Mr Apple, Bostock New Zealand and Freshmax, and nurseries are busy preparing rootstocks to meet grower demand for orders.
Fruitcraft is forecasting one million cartons of the Dazzle apple will be exported from New Zealand by 2028, making it one of the country's most popular apple varieties.
"We are confident of the success of this new apple given New Zealand's largest growers are already committed to producing Dazzle, and we are starting to field positive inquiries from New Zealand and across the world."
Pipfruit New Zealand chief executive Alan Pollard says this is another reflection of the sophistication and strength of an industry where growers, exporters and breeders are all working together to deliver high quality products.
"The opportunities for New Zealand growers and industry businesses with the release of this exciting new apple variety builds on our confidence and excitement as we approach our billion-dollar export target."
