80 | Mt Erin Group HORTICULTURE Sustainability at the heart of group’s efforts Sustainability is at the heart of Mt Erin Group’s business model. Group marketing manager Jono Wiltshire says that this is partially due to the generational philosophy that unpins its growers’ ethics. “The business can only work if they grow sustainably, looking after the environment and their community. “So our fruit growers hold common values with regards to the importance of looking after soil, tree health, water resource, and the wider environment. Mt Erin Group growers work hard to be at the forefront of innovation in the industry. For example in the 1980s several growers were part of the trail group for the Apples Futures system, which is still used today by the Group. Growers also use the New Zealand Apples and Pears Integrated Fruit Production system. Jono says it’s about working with the environment for the best outcome. “We work with our local globally recognised scientists to find the best ways to produce fruit in our growing environment. “We work hard to look after our biological control agents and only react to pest and disease triggers after careful monitoring. “At Mt Erin Group we’re always looking for ways to improve production while adhering to our world-renown sustainability practices and production systems. “Our orchards are constantly evolving using innovation suited to our philosophy and our environment.” The Full Service Giving the group full control of its product, Mt Erin Group also includes Mt Erin Limited (trading as Mt Erin Fruit Services), a fruit packing and cool store facility located in Hawke’s Bay. Mt Erin Ltd packs for Mt Erin Group growers but also for a range of other clients. Produce includes cherries, apricots, nectarines, peaches and plums through the months of December until February and a large volume of apples from February to June. “Our facilities optimise fruit quality and logistics to provide great service to customers,” says group marketing manager Jono Wiltshire. “We have skilled staff managing all aspects of supply, packing, cool storage, logistics, administration and customer service.’ Jono says that the fact that Hawk’es Bay has an international seaport makes global logistics and exporting very convenient. “The Port of Napier is just a 30-minute drive from the facility meaning that our produce has a very fast and direct route from growers, to buyers, distributors, and consumers across the world. “Our aim is to provide services to suppliers, exporters, and importers at the highest standard. “In conjunction with our grower shareholders, we take pride in storing, packing and shipping our top quality produce to customers around the world.” T T Karen Phelps Contact us to find out more: Hillmac Electrical are a key contractor and supplier to the Mt Erin Group. We are proud to be involved with installation of their new packing equipment and upgrade of their facility. Hillmac have a diverse team that can provide electrical solutions for your Residential, Commercial, Solar and Industrial requirements. Hillmac also provide solutions for all your Fibre and Data requirements. “Solution Focused” Hillmac Electrical 11a Martin Place, Havelock North admin@hillmacelectrical.co.nz 06 877 9156 www.hillmacelectrical.co.nz PROUD TO BE SUPPORTING MT ERIN GROUP Providing Mt Erin Group with quality corrugated packaging, made from renewable, sustainably harvested forestry and recycled wood fibre. Oji Fibre Solutions (NZ) Ltd 11 Tararua Road, Levin +64 6 8703604 Hawkes Bay’s Refrigeration Specialists www.hbr.co.nz | Hastings 878 8002 | Napier 835 8002 • Design • Service • Installation
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=