One of the larger apple orchards in the Hawke’s Bay region is being offered to the market for sale in what shapes up as an enticing opportunity for prospective purchasers who are looking to secure a premier property in a sought-after asset class.
529 Dartmoor Road, Dartmoor Valley, Hawke’s Bay is a 40.42ha apple orchard that is spread across two freehold titles and is located approximately 25 minutes away from the Hastings CBD.
The site has been meticulously developed during the past six years and the intensity of the planting is a key feature of the orchard with tree density ranging predominantly from 5,000 to 11,000 per hectare, while the level of infrastructure around the planting is among the best in the sector.
The property is currently run under a management contract to Freshco, a leading vertically integrated, New Zealand-owned export company. Day to day husbandry, staffing, storage, packing, and export is all in hand.
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The variety mix is unique with intellectual property and supply agreements to Freshco. Volumes are carefully managed to ensure the production is in line with market requirements.
Colliers Horticulture Specialist Louise Wake has been exclusively appointed to market the property for sale by tender closing at 2pm on Thursday 12 May.
Wake says the timing is perfect for someone to acquire this prime offering given the trees on the orchard are coming into full production.
“The development costs have been undertaken by the vendor to ensure this property is in an excellent position to realise its potential and provide substantial cashflow for the new owner, making this one of the most impressive orchards that will be presented to the open market this year,” Wake says.
“This orchard offers an opportunity to either an investor or industry participant to secure a leading-edge orchard and a share in the vibrant horticulture market, which is a key feature of Hawke’s Bay’s growing economy.
“Export data from Stats NZ shows the total New Zealand export receipts for apples have grown from $330,885,899 in the year ended December 2010 to $907,342,120 in the year ended December 2020. This is an increase of 174 per cent, or an astonishing 10.6 per cent per annum.
“New Zealand is renowned as a world leader in apple production, both in innovative variety and development that is enhanced by favourable growing conditions.”
There are more than 200,000 trees at the site and the apples that are planted there include Breeze, Sonya, and Pink Lady with a small amount of Royal Gala.
The site includes a 128sq m implement shed that was upgraded in 2000. The shed offers secure storage for orchard machinery and there is a 22sq m staff amenities area. There is also a range of equipment available to the purchaser.
There are further facilities that include sheds for fertigation, chemicals and pumps, and a second staff amenity area. Two container canopies provide storage space ensuring the property is fully supported for daily management requirements.
There are two access points off Dartmoor Road and the orchard is well serviced with hard tracks and loading bays allowing easy accessibility.
“This property has exceptional infrastructure in place and the resource consents for the water take run through until 2028, providing long-term security for prospective purchasers,” Wake says.
“This is a highly appealing opportunity to purchase an extremely well-presented orchard with management and services already in place with a well-respected company. We encourage all interested parties to contact me immediately for further detailed information.”
- Article supplied by Colliers
