Kanzi apple growers are predicting a record crop in 2022, with harvest of the fruit underway.
This season’s volume is forecast to exceed 5800 tonnes of Kanzi apples, an 11% increase on last year.
According to the brand, good weather conditions and a diligent tree planting program have resulted in a “steady and sustainable lift” in Kanzi apple supply.
Horticulture Brand Management Australia (HBMA) General Manager Elisa King says the strong volume of quality fruit would support a longer season and increased availability.
“We’ve had good growing conditions, with orchard regions thankfully unaffected by the recent floods. While a significant investment in netting protected the crops from early season hailstorms,” she says.
“Another key factor driving the sustained lift in volume is our decade-long, tree planting program, which is now literally bearing fruit.
“This will help us keep up with demand and maintain quality supply into summer, with Aussies expected to munch through 34 million Kanzi apples this year.”
Kanzi apples are grown in 75 orchards around Australia. This includes the “pristine” growing regions of Batlow (NSW), Yarra Valley (Victoria), Adelaide Hills (South Australia), Manjimup (Western Australia), Stanthorpe (Queensland) and Huon (Tasmania).
Kanzi catch up
More than 40 Kanzi growers recently met in the Adelaide Hills and toured the Ceravolo and Flavell Orchards, who are fourth and third generation orchardists, respectively.
The growers discussed the season, potential markets, orchard insights and attended agronomist briefings.
“Kanzi is still a relatively new variety in Australia and it’s a valuable opportunity to come together to share best practice learnings with other growers, as well as collectively plan for the future,” says Matthew Flavell, third generation orchardist from Adelaide Hills.
Backed by marketing
HBMA will support the 2022 Kanzi season with a strategic domestic marketing program. This includes radio, out of home, digital, print, public relations, social media, and in-store sampling.
“Our marketing program has worked to grow awareness of Kanzi faster than other IP varieties, but there’s still a long way to go,” says Ms King.
“We have a strong awareness program planned for the season and we are excited to include wide-spread instore sampling nationally, after cancelling many of last year’s sampling initiatives due to Covid.
“Encouraging trial and enabling more people to taste the Kanzi difference is essential to drive purchase and consideration of the premium apple variety.”
The Kanzi apples will be available Australia-wide in major supermarkets, independent supermarkets and greengrocers from late March until summer.
