New Zealand-based produce company Turners & Growers (NZX:TUR) has launched an office for its subsidiary Delica in Shanghai, coinciding with the kick-off of Southern Hemisphere-grown Jazz and Envy apple selling season.

In a release, the company said the office set up began late last year and had already grown to accommodate a team of 10 staff, led by China country manager Ignacio Smith.

T&G CEO Alastair Hulbert said Delica had been working with Chinese customers for more than 15 years and achieved strong growth.

"We did a lot of analysis and decided an in-market resource was vital for enhancing our market position and laying the platform for future growth," he said.

"The opening of our Shanghai office demonstrates our commitment to the China market and to our in-market partners and customers.

"We are excited about the increased potential we now have to grow the business with our own office here."

Smith said the permanent office would allow Delica to further strengthen relationships with Chinese customers, supplying high quality fruit and vegetables from New Zealand and other growing regions. He added the presence on the ground in China would also support growers in responding to evolving market conditions.

"Our growers and suppliers need real time information on market pricing and trends, in order to be able to make the best decisions and adapt their businesses accordingly.

"We have also had fantastic support from New Zealand Central, the New Zealand Government-sponsored working space in Shanghai for Kiwi companies doing business in China.

The new office expands T&G's country offices around the world to 15, taking the number to three in Asia joining Japan and Singapore.

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