Greencollar celebrates first harvest

Added 9 months ago

By Elizabeth-Marie Nes

In New Zealand, where 90 percent of grapes are cultivated for winemaking purposes, a unique venture is underway in Hawke’s Bay's Gimblett Gravels. Here, amidst the renowned wine-growing district, Greencollar harnesses Japanese techniques to cultivate a diverse array of grapes, including New Zealand Syrah and esteemed Japanese varieties such as Yuho and Violet King, revered as the monarchs of red grapes.

The significance of this initiative is underscored by the juxtaposition of grape cultivation practices between New Zealand and Japan. In New Zealand, the lion's share of grape production serves the wine industry, with a mere 10 percent allocated for consumption. Conversely, in Japan, where each bunch of in-season grapes can fetch upwards of $100NZ, table grapes hold sway over the market. It's against this backdrop that Shin Koizumi emerges as a pivotal figure. As one of the two Hawke’s Bay-based table grape growers exporting premium varieties to Japan, Koizumi spearheads efforts to create a year-round supply tailored to the discerning Japanese gift market.

For Shin Koizumi, this venture marks a departure from his previous career in Tokyo's real estate realm, reflecting a deeper yearning to reconnect with his familial roots in grape cultivation. Together with Greencollar, he endeavours to redefine lifestyle paradigms, championing a "Greencollar" ethos that harmonises work, residential living, and leisure in symbiosis with nature.

Amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Shin's unwavering dedication has propelled the project forward. As production expands, discussions with air freight providers are underway to enable direct shipments of fresh grapes to Tokyo within 24 hours, potentially extending to other Hawke’s Bay-grown fruits, fostering economic growth and diversification in the region. Through Greencollar, a new chapter in luxury fruit cultivation unfolds, bridging cultures and cultivating connections between New Zealand's vineyards and Japanese tables.

Over the weekend, Greencollar marked their inaugural harvest alongside the recently designated Japanese ambassador to New Zealand and esteemed local officials with delectable Japanese cuisine.