VentureFruit® is a New Zealand-based global commercialisation business focused on the discovery, development, and deployment of next-generation fruit varieties. As a wholly owned division of T&G Global, one of New Zealand’s largest horticultural companies, VentureFruit brings together world-class plant genetics, global licensing partnerships, and strategic market access to deliver premium fruit varieties to growers and consumers worldwide.
Company Overview
Headquartered in Auckland, New Zealand, VentureFruit was launched in 2021 as part of T&G Global’s mission to future-proof the fruit industry through innovation and intellectual property (IP) commercialisation. The company specialises in managing exclusive plant variety rights (PVRs), licensing agreements, and supply chain partnerships across key fruit categories such as apples, pears, blueberries, strawberries, and other berries.
Operating with a global network of breeders, growers, and marketers, VentureFruit ensures that new varieties are supported from initial research and development through to full commercial rollout, bringing value to every stakeholder in the fresh produce chain.
Mission and Objectives
- Identify and commercialise world-leading fruit varieties that meet evolving market demands
- Deliver better tasting, more sustainable, climate-resilient fruit to global consumers
- Support breeders and growers with world-class licensing, marketing, and post-harvest support
- Build a pipeline of IP-driven fruit solutions to drive the future of horticulture
Core Business Areas
1. Variety Commercialisation
- Manages global licensing rights for proprietary fruit cultivars
- Assesses market potential, conducts technical trials, and establishes production protocols
- Oversees variety protection, registration, and trademark development
2. Licensing and Partnerships
- Facilitates global licensing to growers and commercial producers in 15+ countries
- Aligns with packers, marketers, and retailers for go-to-market strategy and rollout support
- Provides agronomic support and quality standards to maintain brand integrity
3. Market Intelligence and Brand Development
- Conducts consumer research to match new varieties with preferred taste profiles, shelf life, and appearance
- Develops global consumer-facing brands to support premium positioning
- Aligns fruit characteristics with sustainability and climate resilience requirements
Fruit Categories and Varieties
1. Apples
- High-color, firm-texture, and naturally sweet varieties suited for Asian, European, and North American markets
- Includes partnerships with prominent apple breeders in Europe and the U.S.
2. Pears
- Focus on flavorful, crisp, and easy-to-ripen cultivars for new and traditional pear consumers
- Development of red-skinned and novel texture varieties
3. Blueberries
- Compact, high-yield varieties with improved shelf life and flavor
- Suited for global markets demanding year-round availability
4. Strawberries, Raspberries, Blackberries
- Includes trials of disease-resistant, climate-adapted berry varieties
- Focus on shelf life, visual appeal, and packaging adaptability
Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
- Backed by T&G Global’s global infrastructure, including logistics, orchards, and post-harvest services
- Exclusive access to next-generation cultivars from leading global breeding programs
- Expert in managing IP rights, grower networks, and global retail alignment
- Focus on sustainability, water efficiency, and consumer-preferred traits in new variety selection
Global Footprint and Reach
- Manages commercialization projects across Australia, New Zealand, Europe, North America, South Africa, and South America
- Engages with a global network of breeders, IP owners, and grower licensees
- Supports production scalability in multiple climates and hemispheres
VentureFruit operates as an innovation catalyst for growers looking to differentiate their offerings in competitive fresh produce markets.
Target Stakeholders
- Plant breeders seeking global commercialisation and licensing channels
- Growers and packers looking to secure exclusive access to high-performing cultivars
- Retailers and marketers targeting differentiated, premium fruit offerings
- Consumers demanding better taste, consistency, and sustainability in fruit choices
Capabilities
- End-to-end variety pipeline management from research through commercialization
- Integrated marketing and branding expertise for launching new fruit brands
- Post-harvest quality management and agronomic support to ensure product consistency
- Licensing infrastructure with regional technical managers and compliance monitoring
Certifications and Compliance
- Oversees the legal registration of plant varieties under international PVR/IPR regulations
- Works with certified nurseries and registered growers to maintain variety exclusivity and integrity
- Aligned with food safety and export compliance standards through T&G Global systems
Recognitions and Industry Engagement
- Participated in global innovation forums such as Fruit Logistica and Asia Fruit Congress
- Collaborates with industry research bodies in New Zealand and internationally
- Recognized by industry media for spearheading new approaches to fruit variety IP and sustainability
Testimonials
Growers and partners note VentureFruit’s leadership in:
- Delivering early access to high-value cultivars
- Ensuring post-harvest success through technical support
- Creating strong consumer brand identities that drive retail traction
Retailers value VentureFruit’s varieties for:
- Extended shelf life
- Improved flavor profiles and visual appeal
- Reliability in sourcing premium-grade fruit across seasons
Achievements
- Successfully licensed new-generation apple and pear varieties across five continents
- Launched a global berry commercialization strategy with multi-breeder partnerships
- Developed branded fruit programs with strong consumer trial and repeat purchase results
- Played a pivotal role in shaping T&G Global’s premium fruit portfolio for the next decade
VentureFruit® is redefining the future of fruit through strategic innovation, trusted global partnerships, and a bold commitment to creating better options for growers, retailers, and consumers around the world.