NZ's avocado sector set up well for the future
Outgoing chief executive of New Zealand Avocado, Jen Scoular believes the sector is well set up despite a challenging environment for growers around the globe.
The New Zealand avocado industry has grown from $70 million value to $200m in four years, says industry leader Tony Ponder.
“The NZ avocado industry has seen unprecedented growth in demand for avocados globally,” Ponder told Rural News.
“Key drivers of this demand are versatility, health benefits and the amazing taste of NZ avocados.”
Ponder is the new chairman of the NZ Avocado Growers Association (NZAGA) and Avocado Industry Council (AIC). He replaces Ashby Whitehead (chair since 2013) and has been on the NZAGA executive and the AIC Ltd board since 2006.
“The industry has experienced strong growth based on a well-developed strategy and I see my role as supporting... that strategy.”
He plans to ensure that NZ Avocado services stay relevant and valuable to all stakeholders -- building the capacity and structure of industry governance, maintaining market access and addressing underlying risks to the industry.
Crown investment and the Primary Growth Partnership: NZ Avocado Go Global scheme have been a key to the industry’s “fantastic growth in value right across the supply chain,” says Ponder.
The industry is experiencing year-on-year increase in value, Ponder says, and is “excited about current opportunities in new markets”.
Boutique Waikato cheese producer Meyer Cheese is investing in a new $3.5 million facility, designed to boost capacity and enhance the company's sustainability credentials.
OPINION: The Government's decision to rule out changes to Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) that would cost every farmer thousands of dollars annually, is sensible.
Compensation assistance for farmers impacted by Mycoplama bovis is being wound up.
Selecting the reverse gear quicker than a lovestruck boyfriend who has met the in-laws for the first time, the Coalition Government has confirmed that the proposal to amend Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) charged against farm utes has been canned.
Holstein Friesian excellence was front and centre at the 2025 Holstein Friesian NZ (HFNZ) Awards, held recently in Invercargill.
The work Fonterra has done with Ballance Agri-Nutrients Ltd, LIC and Ravensdown to save farmers time through better data connections has been recognised with a national award.
OPINION: Dust ups between rural media and PR types aren't unheard of but also aren't common, given part of the…
OPINION: The Hound hears from his canine pals in Southland that an individual's derogatory remarks on social media have left…