Export prices set to remain elevated
Horticultural prices are set to remain elevated this year, reflecting the balance between demand in key export markets and an increase in supply.
Rockit chief executive Mark O'Donnell says consumer awareness for the brand continues to improve each year.
Some 88% of premium consumers recently surveyed stated they love Rockit.
Sustainability is another focus, with New Zealand part of the pilot market for new sustainable tubes.
“We did a successful trial here in 2022 and are looking to expand this with a bigger volume, along with rolling them out in various global markets.”
O’Donnell says New Zealand growers wanted to see their fruit available to Kiwis and the company has achieved this with the support of Foodstuffs, BP, Farro and independent fresh produce retailers.
“With more acres planted and expansion into the South Island, we have geographic diversity and access to some great blocks of land and partners. Building a fruit supply base that can endure changing climates and extreme weather events enables us to safeguard our year-round supply as we continue to expand our networks and quality reputation worldwide.”
While Rockit is a successful global company, its headquarters will continue to be in Hawke’s Bay, O’Donnell adds.
“Most of our senior team relocated here from Auckland but others in the wider leadership team are based in Auckland, Tauranga and in our global markets. However, Heretaunga, Hawke’s Bay is our home, and our head office will remain here.”
Federated Farmers says the farming sector has been unable to effectively address quad bike safety.
A highly experienced agricultural scientist with specialist knowledge of the dairy sector is the Prime Minister's new Chief Science Advisor.
The 2025 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year, Jo Sheridan, has paid tribute to women who apart from their farming connections are making contributions to their local schools and communities.
Limping towards the end of the season is how Richard Walker describes the situation he's facing due to prolonged drought in coastal areas of Taranaki.
Auckland Federated Farmers want a national conference debate on whether New Zealand should withdraw from the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.
DairyNZ chief executive Campbell Parker says the industry-good organisation is proud to be an ongoing industry partner of the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards, providing judging expertise and facilitating field days.
OPINION: The good fight against "banking wokery" continues with a draft bill to scrap the red tape forcing banks and…
OPINION: Despite the volatility created by the shoot-from-the-hip trade tariff 'stratefy' being deployed by the new state tenants in the…