| 69 Cederman Bros has transitioned away from the traditional varieties favoured by the UK / European and American markets, to the newer high colour strains. RURAL SERVICES » Cederman Bros “They are the ones paying the higher prices,” says Duncan. “China and Vietnam especially are the big markets. We also have some unusual varieties. Dazzle™ is our new star variety, and we have planted quite a lot of that over the last six or seven years. Koru® is another one. We’ve also planted a high colour strain of Royal Gala and they’re still in high demand in Asia. There’s a couple of niche varieties; we’ve planted some Tarzi® and this year we’ve planted Roxy®. They’re both high colour versions of Royal Gala.” The packhouse operates two shifts Monday to Friday: an 8-hour day shift and a 4-hour night shift, and packs 200,000 cartons a year, with a further 50,000 overflow packed by a third party packhouse. The coolstore was built around 2000 and is used predominantly as a bin store, for fruit awaiting packing. “Currently we have a team of 18 – 20 full time/ part time permanent staff,” says Duncan. “At peak we have 58 RSE workers: 31 in November for apple thinning and the rest during the February to May apple season. We also have a close relationship with WINZ and employ seasonal New Zealanders too. The total team swells to about 120 staff during those peak seasonal times.” Duncan believes there is considerable value being a family business, particularly from a relationship perspective. “Many of our permanent staff have been with us for a long time, which I think says something. We’re in there working with them, and there’s a bond of loyalty to them, and I think they want to see the business succeed because of that. There’s a good mix of older employees and younger ones with younger families and we like to support them where we can. Some people need flexibility around work hours, which we tend to do. We have been in the RSE scheme for 15 years. They are here for six / seven months at a time and it’s a home away from home for them and they talk about that. There work ethic portrays that loyalty.” PROUDLY SUPPORTING CEDERMAN BROS • Tippers • Flat Decks • Curtainsiders • NZ Wide 027 484 4989 Office 027 515 1587 accounts@dfflmotueka.co.nz Darryl Francois Freighting Ltd
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