Two-decade research and development journey ripens into new apricot varieties

Three new apricot varieties are set to be picked this summer after almost two decades of research and development.

Developed by Plant and Food Research and the summerfruit industry, a new company has been set up to commercialise the new cultivars.

NZ Summerfresh Ltd has the new varieties called NzSummer2, Nzsummer3 and Nzsummer4 under trial in Central Otago and parts of the North Island.

Company chairman Stephen Darling said more than 50,000 trees of the new varieties were in the ground, spanning 60 hectares.

Small offerings of the new fruit would be available this year, with full production expected from 2025 - 2027.

"Apricots are traditionally only on shelves for a short amount of time and there's always great demand for them; these new varieties ripen earlier and later than traditional varieties - meaning the fruit will be available for longer.

"Bred for flavour, colour and sensory characteristics, the apricots are substantially better than nearly every other apricot I know of, and could be the best in the world," Darling said.

"The varieties are intensely sweet with a crisper texture, and juicy with a high-colour profile. Two varieties may store longer to achieve a longer selling period and will target export markets."

The other variety would target the domestic market.

Exports of apricots had been dropping over the last five years, Darling said, as Australia - one of New Zealand's biggest markets for the fruit - had been producing more for its own domestic market.

He said the new varieties would be targeted to markets in Asia, Australia and the United States.

"Australia is an important market because our season complements Australia product well. Our apricots will arrive after the local product, therefore extending the season."

The three varieties would span a successive season from December to late February, Darling said.

Next steps included developing a strategic commercial framework including devising a brand and marketing plan, identifying export markets, and establishing optimal harvesting and quality standards, he said.

"We will strive to achieve a consistency of product offering. Our goal includes understanding growing behaviours, the best time to harvest for optimal eating, how we gain access to seasonal workers, and conducting storage and freight trials."