The purchase of a large scale new variety kiwifruit orchard at Paengaroa is a demonstration of confidence in the industry's future says a spokesman for the purchasers Paul Jones.

'It was easy to find people keen to be part of the purchase, despite the impacts of the disease Psa-V,” says Paul who is a director of kiwifruit management company, DMS Progrowers.

Zespri's new variety G3 is among those growing on the 48 ha orchard which has just changed hands at Paengaroa.

The 48 canopy hectare orchard, sold this week, is predominantly planted in Zespri's new G3 and G14 varieties with some producing Hayward vines.

'This property has the potential to produce more than 600,000 trays although Psa is still a significant risk to its operational success.”

Despite that risk Paul says it took less than a week to form a group of investors.

'In fact we had to turn some away and reduce the level of investment by others. All who are part of the small group are experienced in the kiwifruit industry and well aware of the challenges of Psa.”

The orchard is well established with root stock aging from 10 to 20 years and while there are some G14 green vines at commercial production levels it will be 2014 before vines grafted this year come into production.

'This orchard has been managed to a high standard and the 2012 grafting programme has been very successful. The property has been well presented, with a very high standard of infrastructure and fixtures included in the sale. We congratulate the vendors in the standard of the asset they have built.”

The sale gives immediate possession and the orchard will be managed by DMS under best practice systems as recommended by Kiwifruit Vine Health, which will include the use of copper sprays and close monitoring for signs of infection.

'We are delighted to have been given the chance to buy such a high quality, large scale property. This represents a unique opportunity to explore the potential of the new Zespri varieties at an entry price that we believe represents exceptional value.”

DMS will also pack the fruit and Paul says its post-harvest facilities have the experience to do so.

'We already handle 10 per cent of New Zealand's total new variety inventory.”