Nimble New Zealand exporters finding opportunity amid shifting trade terms
Global trade wars and uncertain tariff regimes could play into the hands of many New Zealand exporters, according to Gareth Coleman ANZ’s Head of Trade & Supply Chain.
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.”
"Unwelcome" is how the chief executive of the Horticulture Export Authority (HEA), Simon Hegarty, describes the 15% tariff that the US has imposed on primary exports to that country.
Fertiliser co-operative Ballance has written down $88 million - the full value of its Kapuni urea plant in Taranaki - from its balance sheet in the face of a looming gas shortage.
The Government and horticulture sector have unveiled a new roadmap with an aim to double horticulture farmgate returns by 2035.
Canterbury farmers and the Police Association say they are frustrated by proposed cuts to rural policing in the region.
The strain and pressure of weeks of repairing their flood-damaged properties is starting to tell on farmers and orchardists in the Tasman district.
The sale price of Fonterra’s global consumer and associated businesses to the world’s largest dairy company Lactalis has risen to $4.22 billion.