Craigmore expands apple development

Craigmore Sustainables is expanding its apple development in Gisborne with the addition of a second property.

The property at Te Karaka adds a further 14-hectares to the 70-hectare Sunpark property acquired by Craigmore in October 2022.

Head of Acquisitions, Paul Burns says the additional scale also enables further regional employment and economic growth in the Te Tai Rāwhiti (Poverty Bay/East Coast) region.

“Our operational team are well progressed with development planning for Sunpark, and we will commence planting in 2023 with Rockit™ and Bay Queen™ varieties which will bring both permanent and seasonal work to the region,” said Burns.

With future growth plans in place, Craigmore will continue to look for development opportunities in key regions such as Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne to grow the businesses apple portfolio.

The purchase, which follows approval from the Overseas Investment Office in December 2022, will bring Craigmore’s investment in the region to in excess of $45 million once fully developed.