TOKYO, March. 13 ― Nagano prefecture has signed an agreement with two Italy’s cooperatives for the exclusive permanent production and marketing license of its Shinano Gold apple in five countries of the south hemisphere such as New Zealand and South Africa.
The variety was originally created in Nagano from a cross between the Golden Delicious and the Senshu and is marketed under the yello brand, highlighting its distinctive color.
Nagano prefecture has already an agreement in 2016 with VOG, the Association of South Tyrolean Fruit Growers’ Cooperatives, and VI.P, the Association of Val Venosta Fruit Growers’ Cooperatives, for the exclusive permanent production and marketing license for all of Europe and Mediterranean basin.
This time, the new agreement with VOG and VI.P for the exclusive permanent production and marketing license of the Shinano Gold variety will expand in New Zealand, Australia, Chile, South Africa and the U.S.
Nagano’s apple growers hope the move will help to boost its apple exports across the world.