Corn makes Christmas hit
Gisborne's record hot dry summer weather has produced rewards for one of the country's largest commercial growers based in the region - Leaderbrand.
Horticulture business LeaderBrand has bought the remaining 50% of South Auckland-based Sutherland Produce.
Following a 50% purchase of the business in 2013, the deal to secure the remaining shareholding will mean ‘business as usual’ for the 60 full time staff, with continued input from the Sutherland family who have been farming fresh vegetables since 1977, LeaderBrand says.
Currently, Sutherland Produce grows lettuce, broccoli and silver beet from its base at 188 Mill Road, Bombay.
LeaderBrand chief executive officer Richard Burke says the investment is a natural extension of the company’s strategic plans, and says the relationship with the Sutherland family is a vital integrated supply partnership.
“Our initial deal in 2013 was really a step for us into the Pukekohe area, and we’re thrilled to be permanently putting down roots with the completion of the purchase seven years later,” said Burke.
“The Sutherland family has a legacy of quality growing, excellent systems and a very well run business, so we’re looking forward to continuing our great relationship with John and the team.”
Sutherland Produce’s John Sutherland says the united approach and access to scale and resources is a highlight of the working relationship with LeaderBrand.
“We’re absolutely passionate about growing quality vegetables and always knew that the vision for the Sutherland family and McPhail family to join forces, harnessing our combined knowledge and common interest in growing quality produce, was a very strong proposition for the industry,” he said.
While Sutherland will be stepping back from an active role in the business, he along with his daughters and nephew will remain involved in the business.
Established by Murray McPhail in 1975 and based in Gisborne, LeaderBrand specialises in lettuce, broccoli, asparagus, sweetcorn and fresh salads.
The Ministry for the Environment is joining as a national award sponsor in the Ballance Farm Environment Awards (BFEA from next year).
Kiwis are wasting less of their food than they were two years ago, and this has been enough to push New Zealand’s total household food waste bill lower, the 2025 Rabobank KiwiHarvest Food Waste survey has found.
OPINION: Sir Lockwood Smith has clearly and succinctly defined what academic freedom is all about, the boundaries around it and the responsibility that goes with this privilege.
DairyNZ says its plantain programme continues to deliver promising results, with new data confirming that modest levels of plantain in pastures reduce nitrogen leaching, offering farmers a practical, science-backed tool to meet environmental goals.
'Common sense' cuts to government red tape will make it easier for New Zealand to deliver safe food to more markets.
Balclutha farmer Renae Martin remembers the moment she fell in love with cows.