Good things happen when locals pull together and support each other. We are super excited to be supporting these rockstar Waikato bakers.
"At Volare, we’ve always believed that the best ingredients make the best products. That’s why we’re excited to announce that we’re now using apples from Newstead Orchard in our seasonal sweet Danish – and hopefully, this is just the beginning. We’re currently running trials with their fruit for other products, and we can’t wait to incorporate more of their incredible produce into our baking.
But it’s more than just about the apples. It feels good – really good – to work with a local orchard, to visit in person, walk the rows of trees, and hear firsthand about the work they’re doing to farm more sustainably. Because let’s be honest, sustainability isn’t just about certifications stamped on a package; it’s about real, tangible efforts to protect and improve the land for the future."
A Legacy of Dedication
"Newstead Orchard is a third-generation orchard, with roots deep in the Waikato. It was originally established in 1963 by the McMiken family, and today, it remains a family-run operation. John Woolford, who has been growing fruit here for decades, owns the orchard alongside his sister, Jean Darby. Until the end of last season, they ran the entire operation together, but with Jean’s retirement, John has taken on a mentorship role, training Annie Perkins as she steps into a larger role at the orchard. Their father, Harold, the second orchardist in the family, still lives on the property at nearly 100 years old.
While change is never easy, Annie is committed to honouring the work that John, Jean, and their family have put into the orchard over the years. She’s working alongside John to ensure that the orchard continues to thrive while also embracing new opportunities. It’s a journey that requires both respect for the past and an openness to the future."
To read more about this collaboration, head over to the Volare blog: https://volarebread.com/blogs/news/project-local-a-fresh-start-with-newstead-orchard
