“When the universe gave us hailstorms, we made cider,” says Tutū Cider spokesperson Rōpata Taylor.
Māori owned Nelson cider brand Tutū saw an opportunity to produce a new cider after a devastating hailstorm tore through the Motueka region on Boxing Day last year, an event that left thousands of export quality Fuji apples wasted on the ground and destined to be stock feed.
Now repackaged into brightly labelled and convenient 330ml cans, the new format is just the right size to slip a few in a bag when you head out to the beach, park or a festival this summer. And with ‘picnic season’ upon us, a refreshing cider is a perfect lighter drink option to enjoy with friends.
Tutū Cider is one of the brands owned by food and drinks company Kono, and another product in its portfolio that celebrates hihiritanga – or doing things better.
“Hailstorms can turn apples into mush or into the world’s best cider and we opted for the latter. Utilising rescue fruit from our orchard also feeds into our broader sustainability journey, which will see Tutū Cider and Kono be waste-free by 2028.”
“The purpose of Kono is to preserve and enhance our taonga for the benefit of current and future generations. We’ve been gardeners in Motueka for a long time, nourishing the community around us and always working in harmony with the environment but we’ve never lost sight of having fun along the way. In rain or in sunshine, life is full of beauty and Tutū is proof of our commitment to working with the environment and with what nature gives us,” says Rōpata.
Brewed and canned in Nelson, the cider is delicate and fresh in style and the light carbonation adds freshness to the palate. Said Rōpata, “We know that there will always be storms. The hau, or essence of Tutū isn’t about waiting for a storm to pass, sometimes it’s about dancing in the rain.”
Tutū Cider is available to purchase online at tutucider.co.nz, selected supermarkets and leading liquor stores nationwide.
About Kono:
Tutū Cider is owned by Kono, a Māori-owned top 100 New Zealand food and drinks company farming over 1000 hectares of land and sea at the top of the South Island, and exporting to over 40 countries. Every Kono brand aspires to show a love for the land and respect for the sea, be it Annies Fruit snacks, Tohu or Kono Wines, Tutū Cider, Kono Mussels or Kiwa Oysters. Kono also grows grapes, apples, pears, kiwifruit and hops, and supplies sustainably caught fish via its business Yellow Brick Road.
For further information, please contact Sarah Cameron sarah@joepublic.co.nz 027 354 7747 or Lisa Joe lisa@joepublic.co.nz 021 326662