Our Growers
Luv’ya is a different kind of apple company, and was created by local apple growers convinced they could bring a better and more consistent quality of apples to market. Rather than act competitively, they saw the advantage of working together to share their experience and expertise for customers crying out for that just-picked ‘crunch’.
Our Luv’ya growers have decades of experience making extraordinary apples, and come from generations of families growing apples in our region. While the Luv’ya brand is 20 years old, the principals it stands for, and the families behind the scenes, have been over 100 years in the making.
Vailima Orchards
Named for Grandad Walter Hoddy, who spent time in Samoa recovering from his experiences in WW1, Vailima (Five Waters) has a long track record producing top notch apples. Third generation orchardists Richard and Susan Hoddy and their sons, Tristram and Matthew, have significantly extended the orchard across multiple Waimea Plains properties.
Vailima has been a significant local leader in adopting new apple growing techniques with the single purpose of producing a remarkably consistent premium quality apple. Vailima Orchards have extensive programmes trialling interesting new varieties, and work closely with other Luv’ya orchardists to constantly optimise apple quality and yield - so more and more customers can enjoy the best apples on the market today.
NZSF Rural Land Ltd
NZSF Rural Land Ltd is an investment company seeking out special opportunities for value growth in the horticulture industry. Their commitment to Luv’ya began when they purchased the Easton Orchard from one of Luv’ya’s founding growers, David Easton, who had in turn purchased the land from his father in the 70’s.
Since 1910, four generations of the Easton family have learned to grow the world’s best apples in the Nelson region. David and Maryanne’s passion and determination were fully realised across their 80 hectare orchard.
NZSF Rural Land have a team of experienced horticulturalists that now manage the day-to-day operation of the orchard, overseeing all aspects of apple innovation, management and production.
VAILA ORCHARD
Situated deep in the beautiful Brooklyn Valley a stone’s throw from the Motueka River and its world renowned fresh water fishing system, Daryl and Sheldon James grow 26 hectares of apples and pears alongside a commercial pine forest. Taking over from father Roy in the late 90’s, the James brothers operate on land first purchased by Great Grandfather Cal James through the ballot block system for WW1 veterans.
First growing crops of the day like tabacco, the family moved steadily into apples starting with Granny Smiths. Other apple varieties followed, as did their famous Taylors Gold and Comice pears, which continue to reach markets in Europe and the US. Vaila Orchard, and the James family, is well connected with the local community, offering seasonal employment to locals in their packhouse and orchard.
Hard hit by recent Cyclone Gita in 2018, and heavily flooded a day before packing began for the season, stout community spirit and support mean the Vaila team deliver their crop even when conditions are more than a little challenging.