How New Zealand Apple Growers Won India Market Access
Eighteen months ago, when negotiations for a free trade deal with India were announced, New Zealand apple growers expressed their desire to be part of the deal.
More than 300 people attended the annual EXPO 2025 two weeks ago at the Trafalgar Centre in Nelson, which ran over three days.
This year's annual summit took on a new approach, with enhanced networking opportunities and more trade stands than ever before.
The annual event was designed to reflect the challenges and opportunities facing the apple and pear industry and also reflects the industry's ongoing commitment to building a sustainable, productive, and inclusive food sector, said NZAPI chief executive Karen Morrish.
"The conference was a resounding success, with growers and industry thoroughly enjoying the opportunity to reflect and catch up. What's more, while we were always going to be in the Nelson-Tasman region in 2025, it was timelier than ever to be there.
"The region's recent weather events, and the resulting impact on growers, highlighted once again the realities of climate challenges on the sector," she said.
"Reaching $1 billion in orchard gate revenue for the first time at the end of 2024 was a major milestone for our sector and one we have been keen to celebrate.
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"However, now to turn towards our goal of becoming a sustainable $2 billion industry by 2035.
"Our six breakour sessions were selected with this in mind - an eye to the future but feet firmly on the ground."
Each of the six breakout sessions were highly attended with standing room only for many. Highlights included:
A thoughtful presentation from Bruno Simpson, chief executive of Waimea Group, who shared lessons learned from the construction of the Waimea Dam.
Hawke's Bay delegates paid close attention particularly as the northern region investigates water storage options of its own.
The discussion between industries leaders about what they have learned from international trade delegated, what really goes on behind the scenes and how to calculate the value of these, often costly and tiring, pieces of work. Mark Piper, Transition CEO, Bioeconomy Science Institute, told audience members that "when New Zealand shows up together, we are at our best".
In his presentation, former Trade Minister Tim Groser steeled the industry for changes ahead and shared his thoughts on the future market access opportunities for the industry.
Groser, who called the pipfruit industry the "poster child for New Zealand business" due to its productivity and export figures, reminded those in the room that the "devil will always be in the detail" as the world's market resettles from recent challenges.
KPMG gave delegates a sneak peek into their sector market insights which reviewed comprehensive analysis and sizing of eight key markets where potential for growth should be harnessed by exporters.
Mike Casey captured many minds with his presentation on electric sustainability, solar power and how both these things can help Kiwi farmers and households save money and the environment.
Craig Petersen's presentation was about what's new in post-harvest technology and how it can meet the future needs of market access.
NZAPI has thanked sponsors Bioeconomy Science Institute Plant & food Research, Grochem, Bayer, Fruitfed Supplies, Horticentre Charitable Trust, Landkind, T&G Global, Horticentre TasmanCrop, 5+ A Day, Farmlands Horticulture, Hawk, Hill Labs, Prevar and Syngenta.
Orchardist Scoops Industry Award
Third generation orchardist Richard Hill was awarded the 2025 Industry Contribution Award at the New Zealand Apples and Pears Conference in Nelson recently.
Hill was recognised as a grower in his own right, running his own successful family enterprise, and also for his grower and post-harvest roles for some of the sector’s largest companies, as well as serving on industry boards and committees.
NZAPI board member Andrew Common, who delivered the citation for the award, says Hill was someone who had shaped the careers of many individuals and helped ensure the performance of some of the sector’s largest integrated companies.
“Throughout his career, and more recently in his time with Mr Apple, he has been instrumental in fostering and developing the careers of many young and aspiring growers. Many of today’s orchard managers have him to thank for assisting in building their knowledge and capability – a legacy that will continue for many years to come,” said Common.
“On top of all this, anyone who has ever met him or had the privilege of working alongside him, will attest; he is someone you can always count on. He is someone who will always do the right thing. But most importantly, he is just a really, really good guy.”
The NZAPI Industry Contribution Award is awarded to a new recipient each year at the NZAPI annual conference.
