T&G Fresh and Ngāpuhi-owned Kaikohe Berryfruit Limited Partnership have entered a joint venture to expand berry production in Te Taitokerau Northland. The new entity, T&G Kaikohe Berryfruit Limited Partnership, will lease Kaikohe Berryfruit's 10-hectare site, including orchards and a packhouse, for nine and a half years. The site will focus on producing blueberries and strawberries for both domestic and export markets.
According to T&G Fresh, demand for berries continues to grow in New Zealand and internationally. The company said its portfolio includes a range of cultivars, such as jumbo blueberries that are harvested in winter. The joint venture will use these varieties and draw on T&G's production experience.
Ngāpuhi Asset Holding Company Chair Nick Wells said the agreement follows a strategic reset of Kaikohe Berryfruit in 2024. He noted the partnership provides scale, market access, training, and capital to strengthen Ngāpuhi's horticultural investment. "Under the partnership 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," Wells said.
As part of the agreement, T&G Fresh will provide orchard contracting services and act as the exclusive sales agent. The arrangement took effect on July 1, 2025.
T&G Fresh also operates berry ventures in New Zealand and Queensland, Australia, where it focuses on early low-chill blueberry varieties. These cultivars are licensed through VentureFruit, T&G's commercialisation business.
For more information:
Adrienne Sharp
T&G Fresh
Tel: +64 27 801 5534
Email: [email protected]
www.tandg.global
Marg Joiner
Kaikohe Berryfruit Limited Partnership
Tel: +64 21 158 6791
Email: [email protected]