“There are very few juniper trees in New Zealand, not that many were brought to New Zealand,” Hort said. “For part of the project my colleagues in plant science will look at how to propagate these strains they have in their garden. They can grow them and look to develop the juniper industry.” The study will inspect at the differences between aromas and flavours. She said research identifying a difference in the flavour of New Zealand-sourced berries could provide the basis for a future niche export market, similar to New Zealand grapes and hops. WARWICK SMITH/Stuff Some of the gins about to be tasted by a sensory research group.