| 17 Focus on quality the key to success Richard Loader NZ Gourmet produces and sells fresh fruit and vegetables from its facilities in Woodhill, Waiuku and Mokai. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Port Waikato: NZ Gourmet From its gardens to our plates, NZ Gourmet produces and sells some of New Zealand best-loved fresh fruit and vegetables such as capsicums, blueberries, cherries, chillies, leeks, strawberries and tomatoes, including the ever-delicious Campari tomato. Founded 29 years ago by Paul Martin on his parents’ farm in Woodhill, just north of Auckland, primarily to grow capsicums for the quality conscious Japanese market, the business has progressively expanded both product range and markets. An unyielding focus on quality over production has always been at the heart of the successful Kiwi business — quality being about taste and a long shelf life. Capsicums continue to be grown in Woodhill, along with Waiuku — southwest of Auckland, and Mokai — close to Taupo. Running on geothermal heat the Mokai operation is a joint venture between Gourmet and two iwis. “We grow our tomatoes there as well,” says Production Director Roelf Schreuder. “Capsicums and tomatoes are gown year round. In Mokai we have an area under LED lights and grow tomatoes in a summer climate in the winter. Having that area operating under geothermal heat makes production very economical in the winter.” Chillies are also grown in Woodhill, while leeks and blueberries are grown in Hastings. Strawberries are grown in Helensville, and cherries in Roxborough Otago. “All products are grown under cover, even the blueberries, which are under bird netting as well as tunnels. “Persimmons and asparagus are grown on contract. When there’s a request for a new vegetable or fruit, Paul is always keen to see if we can grow it.” Between 60% and 80% of production goes to export, mostly to Japan, with Australia being the next biggest export market with some product going to South East Asia. “Our main office, warehousing and coolstores are in Mangere near the Auckland International Airport. THE CUSTOMISED GREENHOUSE EXPERTS PROFESSIONAL SOLUTIONS TAILORED REQUIREMENTS 0800 100 618 apexgreenhouses.co.nz sales@apexgreenhouses.co.nz 6 Hosking Place, Waiuku, Auckland, 2123 “All products are grown under cover. Persimmons and asparagus are grown on contract. When there’s a request for a new vegetable or fruit, Paul is always keen to see if we can grow it.” “From there all shipments are made ready for export or to New Zealand distribution centres for supermarkets and other independent retailers.” Five years ago the New Zealand Super Fund was invited to take a share in the business to provide assurance of the business’s continuation, and to enable future expansion. The business includes a sales office in Los Angeles, with production sites throughout North America, Mexico, Peru and Ecuador. About two and half times the size of the New Zealand based operation, the business is mainly focused on blueberries and asparagus for the US market, with some exports to South East Asia. NZ Gourmet also operates a complementary business called Zonda, which produces bumblebees for pollination of its own berry crops and tomatoes as well as sold to third parties. Zonda also develops predators for biological control, to minimise the use of chemicals, to work with sustainability and maintain a consistent supply for its own use. Supporting the communities in which it operates has also played a major role in NZ Gourmet’s culture. “It’s a natural thing, especially at the moment,” says Roelf. “In New Zealand, there are a lot more people making use of foodbanks. So it’s easy for us to help people eat healthy. We work with local food banks and schools. In the Mokai area we send tomatoes to schools for the kids lunches. When we started in Peru there was no school in the region where we were growing our produce. We helped them to build the school, establish it and we are still sponsoring the school over there.”
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