T&G Global divests fresh produce business to focus on premium apples, VentureFruit platform

NEW ZEALAND – T&G Global has officially announced the divestment of its domestic and Pacific fresh produce business through three separate sale agreements, enabling the organization to reallocate capital and focus on high-growth sectors, including international apple exports and specialized fruit platforms.

The assets will be acquired by Bidfood Pacific Islands, minority shareholders Pukekawa Holdings and Ashsadeep, and the Turner family’s Turners & Growers Limited, with completion dates in late July and early September.

However, clearance from the New Zealand Commerce Commission is still required for the domestic fresh produce sale. While T&G will retain its Australian blueberry operations, folding them into VentureFruit and leasing certain growing properties to the Turner family.

Furthermore, the divestment is central to T&G Global’s long-term strategy to refocus capital and management on its global premium apples and VentureFruit platforms, which it sees as having strong growth and market share potential in high-value fresh fruit categories.

On the other hand, the VentureFruit platform supports the company’s future by serving as a dedicated vehicle for developing and commercializing proprietary fruit varieties with enhanced consumer traits, such as superior flavour, texture, and storage characteristics.

T&G Global, part of the BayWa Global Produce family, is a longstanding international fresh produce company that traces its origins to Turners and Growers more than 125 years ago. The company has evolved from a domestic New Zealand distributor into a global fresh produce player operating in 13 markets.

Its strategy emphasizes sustainable practices and guardianship of land and resources while pursuing growth in global fresh produce markets.

Moreover, the company focuses on premium, IP-led fruit platforms, particularly apples and its VentureFruit business, and manages a diversified portfolio of produce operations. The transition involves a range of buyers, with the finalization of these deals subject to regulatory approval.

Therefore, while certain agricultural assets will be leased back or integrated into other divisions, the company aims to maximize shareholder value by prioritizing its most profitable global markets. This restructuring reflects a commitment to sustainable growth and a refined focus on premium, intellectual property-led produce.

Finally, by simplifying its operational portfolio, the historic distributor is positioning itself to better serve a worldwide consumer base through targeted investment in high-value categories with strong growth potential.

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