Product Offerings
Product Categories:
fruits and vegetables
Products:
Apple varieties: Ambrosia, Smitten™, eve®, Fuji, Granny Smith, Pink Lady™, Royal Gala, EverCrisp™, Cox Orange, Braeburn
Heartland Fruit NZ Ltd is a leading apple grower, packer, and exporter based in the premium fruit-producing region of Nelson, New Zealand. As a grower-owned enterprise, Heartland Fruit represents a collective of dedicated orchardists who bring together generations of expertise and innovation to deliver some of the finest apples from New Zealand to the world. Through its flagship brand Luv’ya™, the company has built a strong presence in key global markets with a focus on consistency, flavour, and premium presentation.
Core Business
Heartland Fruit NZ Ltd’s core operations span the entire supply chain of apple production — from orchard management and harvesting to high-tech packing and global distribution. The company integrates modern horticultural practices with advanced post-harvest infrastructure to ensure optimal freshness, traceability, and quality. By working closely with growers and retail partners, Heartland maintains an agile and responsive supply system aligned with international market standards.
Product and Service Offerings
-
Apple Varieties:
- Ambrosia
- Smitten™
- eve®
- Fuji
- Granny Smith
- Pink Lady™
- Royal Gala
- EverCrisp™
- Cox Orange
- Braeburn
-
Services:
- Custom packing solutions (tray packs, polybags, bulk)
- Controlled Atmosphere (CA) storage for year-round availability
- Private label programs for retailers
- Quality assurance and phytosanitary certification
- Full export documentation and logistics
Specialization and Core USP
Heartland Fruit’s unique value proposition lies in its premium orchard-to-market control, which allows for unmatched freshness, fruit quality, and delivery consistency. The company specializes in growing and marketing club varieties like Smitten™, eve®, and EverCrisp™ — high-sugar, firm, flavourful apples with extended shelf life. It has invested significantly in post-harvest technology, including advanced grading, optical sorting, and cold chain management to ensure visual appeal and internal quality.
Financials
As a privately held grower-owned company, Heartland Fruit does not disclose audited financials. However, based on industry estimates and market share data:
- Estimated Annual Revenue: NZD 50–70 million
- Export Volume: Over 2 million cartons annually (approx. 30,000 metric tonnes)
- Growing Area: Over 500 hectares of managed orchards across Nelson-Tasman
- Employees: 100+ permanent staff and 300+ seasonal workers
Shipment Records
According to international trade databases (e.g., Volza, ImportYeti) and New Zealand Trade & Enterprise (NZTE):
- Heartland Fruit exports over 85% of its total production
- Primary Export Markets: USA, UK, China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Thailand, India, UAE
- Export formats include 18kg trays, 10kg cartons, 4kg polybags, and customized retail packaging
- Peak shipping season: March to August (Northern Hemisphere off-season)
- Operates via Port Nelson, utilizing refrigerated containerized sea freight
Target Market
Heartland Fruit serves:
- International supermarket chains and premium retail stores
- Wholesale fruit distributors and importers
- Foodservice suppliers and HORECA segments
- Health food brands and fruit snack manufacturers
Its Luv’ya™ brand targets health-conscious, family-oriented consumers looking for fresh, juicy, and responsibly grown apples from New Zealand.
Capabilities
- Packing Infrastructure: State-of-the-art packhouse in Richmond, Nelson
- Storage: Extensive CA and cold storage capacity for long-term quality retention
- Technology: Automated defect detection, internal quality sensors, and digital traceability
- Certifications: Adheres to the highest global food safety and sustainability standards
- Varietal Innovation: Strong partnerships with breeders for exclusive apple varieties
Certifications and Compliance Records
- GlobalG.A.P. – Certified orchards
- BRCGS (British Retail Consortium Global Standard) – Packhouse certified
- GRASP – Risk assessment for social practices
- NZ GAP – New Zealand’s Good Agricultural Practice standard
- Phytosanitary compliance with import requirements of over 30 countries
- Full traceability via batch-level tracking systems
Customer Testimonials
“Heartland Fruit has been a reliable and quality-focused supplier for our retail programs. Their commitment to excellence is evident from orchard practices to final packaging.”
— Head of Procurement, Major UK Retailer
“The consistency of the Luv’ya™ apples and the responsiveness of the Heartland team make them an exceptional partner for our Asian market operations.”
— Senior Import Manager, Southeast Asia Distributor
Major Achievements
- Pioneered export market development for Smitten™ and EverCrisp™ apples in Asia and the Middle East
- Achieved over 90% pack-out rate for export-grade apples across multiple seasons
- Developed an integrated grower network covering more than 500 hectares of premium orchard land
- Luv’ya™ apples recognized in multiple international produce showcases for flavour and appearance
- Invested in digital quality monitoring systems and automated defect sorting to maintain international retail standards