Celebration - DECEMBER 2017 - T&G Global
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Fresh
SECTION
MAGA Z I N E
DECEMBER 2017
S ea so n o f
Cele
FRESH
b1
r a t i o n
CONTENTS
Note from Contents
our CE O 04 COMMUNITY
Ala s ta i r H u l b e r t 5+ A Day celebrates 10 years
Young kiwi kids really dig gardening!
T&G delivers truckloads of fun for a good cause
T&G helps KiwiHarvest
Attracting women into horticulture
and supporting their development
11 SUSTAINABILITY
Growing Green – doing more, using less
is something T&G is passionate
Planting for the environment
given our position as New
Zealand’s largest produce grower.
Currently our workforce is split 16 EVENTS
50/50 in terms of female and male Lotatoes™ takes out prestigious Food Awards
employees, a healthy mix across all T&G roadshow
levels and areas of T&G.
We were delighted to see Shannna 20 GROWER PROFILE
Hickling recently named as Aaron Finlay
22
the winner of the 2017 Young
Phil and Kirsty Greer, JazzTM apple growers
Horticulturalist of the Year Award – GLOBAL
the third woman in 13 years. At the presentation evening we announced
The Envy™ roadshow winds through Texas
our upweighted support of these important awards for another five
JAZZ™ voted ‘UK’s Tastest Apple’
years to further acknowledge and support the achievements of young
people enabling our industry’s growth. And, just this month, T&G became
a supporter of Grow New Zealand Women – a group recently formed in 25 OUR PEOPLE
the Tasman district of New Zealand to support women working in the Straight stalking
horticulture industry. Teams conquer coastal challenge
Engaging at the grass roots
Christmas is just around the corner – a special time spent with families
and friends. The team at T&G are thinking of those who have lost family
members this year including Faulalo Lautala who tragically died in a car
34 HEALTH & SAFETY
accident near Hastings in November. Faulalo originally joined T&G’s A safer way to work
pipfruit team under the Recognised Seasonal Employee (RSE) scheme.
After marrying a local woman and gaining residency, his ability was soon
Get in
recognised and he joined us as a permanent orchard hand, working for
Follow us
touch!
T&G for three years. Our heartfelt condolences go out to Faulalo's wife and
young children at this extremely sad time.
I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank all those that have
supported our business over 2017 – and our 120th year – and wish
To subscribe to the online version of Fresh, email
everyone a safe holiday period and a prosperous New Year. communications@tandg.global
Fresh is always looking for good news stories. If you
have something to share, or feedback you would like
to give, please email our editor, Andy Hunter at
andy.hunter@tandg.global
FRESH 3
COMMUNITY
Fair fe v e r h i ts
ito to K i n d e rga r t e n APPLES FUEL AUCKLAND'S
Ran g
TRAVELWISE KIDS
T&G supplied apples for almost 800 children from 91 schools across
the Auckland Region during the recent Travelwise Celebration at the
Rangitoto Kindergarten’s annual fair went Cloud in down town Auckland.
Throwing coconuts.
ahead in early September with the support
Travelwise assists schools to create individualised Safe School Travel
of T&G.
Plans by helping them incorporate a road safety plan for their staff,
T&G provided coconuts for the coconut shy, students and the community around their schools.
where participants paid a gold coin to throw
“I just wanted to take thank you all, for providing all the attending
balls at them in an attempt to knock them off
kids with a healthy snack,” says Rachel Woodworth, Community
their stands and win prizes.
Transport Coordinator - North West, Auckland Transport.
The fair featured many great stalls and
activities for children, families and the
local community, raising money for the
kindergarten.
“It was a fantastic day out for our kids and
their families,” says Rangitoto Kindergarten’s
Yvonne Hansen.
“I’m proud to say that it was one of our most
successful years and we couldn't have done
it without T&G's help. Thank you again for
the wonderful donation.”
5+ A Day
celebrates 10 years
Beaton, general manager pipfruit at T&G.
T&G Global to make a splash “As a major employer in the region, with A decade has passed since the 5+ A Day The 5+ A Day logo now appears on over people in schools, workplaces and online, to
at Napier Port Ocean Swim most of T&G’s apples being grown here, Charitable Trust was launched to help 600 kiwi produce packages and promotions, boost consumption even further.
getting behind the Napier Port Ocean Swim encourage everyone to eat more fresh fruit while independent research shows 94% of
event was an easy decision. It also gives us T&G Global congratulates 5+ A Day on their
and vegetables. household shoppers are aware of 5+ A Day
Get your goggles, grab you togs and get ready an opportunity to provide participants and significant milestone and looks forward to
(up from 82% in 2012). Around two thirds
to take the plunge because T&G is proudly attendees with some delicious produce on The message is simple – eat at least five supporting 5+ A Day for another 10 years
of household shoppers with children eat at
supporting the Napier Port Ocean Swim 2018! the day,” says Bruce. servings each day to help maintain good to help kiwis eat fresh fruit and vegetables
least two servings of fruit, and three or more
health – but one which requires ongoing every day.
servings of vegetables, per day.
As well as being the official fresh fruit partner "Ocean swimming is an important skill promotion and education to ensure New
to the Napier Port Ocean Swim, T&G is for members of our community and, with Zealanders of all ages understand the But there is still plenty of work to be done.
supporting its namesake 300m individual produce to participants and the attending Hawke’s Bay’s vast amount of coastline, it’s importance of healthy eating. According to a 2017 Ministry of Health
and team races. Competitors will swim a loop community, we’re bringing our ‘healthy eating, great to be a part of an event that helps survey, only 40% of the general population
course around buoys, before heading back develop this skill in the wider community." Fortunately fresh, delicious, seasonal
active living’, or H.E.A.L., philosophy to life. eat five or more servings a day (up from 36%
to the finish line. The three top competitors produce is always available in New Zealand
in 2013).
“T&G is proud to be part of the Hawke’s To register for the event visit and the 5+ A Day Charitable Trust, with T&G’s
and teams will receive a certificate.
Bay community, and prouder still to be www.napieroceanswim.co.nz support is proving to be an effective way to The 5+ A Day Charitable Trust is focusing on
And with T&G on board, supplying fresh supporting this great event,” says Bruce help increase consumption. a range of different initiatives to connect with
FRESH 4 FRESH 5
Haumoana School in the garden.
e !
2017 T&G
I t ’ s t r u
School
Garden to Table
rd:
of the Yea r Awa
g k iwi
HAUMOANA
Y o u n
SCHOOL
Hastings, Hawke’s Bay
kids rea lly
dig ga r d e n i n g !
Haumoana School teacher, Jon Lovell, the school garden. Many of the children (7-8
says: “The children absolutely thrive on years old) also now cook on a regular basis
the opportunities provided by the Garden for their families.”
to Table programme. Be it in the kitchen
Diamond Harbour School in Banks
or garden, they are totally engaged and
Peninsula, Canterbury, was awarded second
thoroughly enjoy the opportunity for
place and Forrest Hill School on the North
‘hands on’ real life learning. The garden has
Shore in Auckland, was awarded third place.
become a real focal point for the children
After digging through nearly 70 applications from as they proudly share their learnings with Andrew Keaney, executive general manager
primary schools and keen young gardeners aged their parents, siblings and school mates. NZ Produce, T&G says “This is the first year
between 7 and 11 years from all over New Zealand, Many of the children have been the driving the awards have taken place and I was blown
we have our inaugural T&G Garden to Table Young force in planting gardens at home, based
on the enthusiasm they have gained with
away by the standard of applications received.
Gardener of the Year Awards winners. “It’s fantastic to see such enthusiasm for
getting outside, being active and learning
key skills that will see them through life, all
of the judges were incredibly impressed by
the drive children showed for gardening.
“I’d like to say a big congratulations to the
winning school and of course, our young
gardeners. A big well done also goes out
to all the children who had the courage to
apply. It was a tough job to judge.”
ll
Freddie Meere Emma Walsh Maima Leru Qwincey Menne Jo hn Lundy
The award will run again in mid 2018.
Age 10, from Te Huruhi School, Age 7, from North Loburn School, Age 10, from Cannons Creek Primary, Age 10, from Dominion Road School, Age 7, from North Loburn School,
Waiheke, Auckland North Canterbury Lower Hutt, Wellington Auckland North Canterbury
Freddie says: “I’ve learnt a lot about Emma is a special needs student who has Maima says: “I love everything about Qwincey says: “My favourite thing about John says: “I get to garden at school
gardening and am intrigued by how fun 4p Syndrome and very limited speech. Her gardening. I love propagating. Last year, we gardening is learning to grow fruits, and at home. I take pride in our
it is. But my favourite part is eating! In application was written by her mother. took cuttings with our garden teacher and vegetables and trees. Without these we school gardens and use what we
the garden, it’s a nice peaceful space and Emma’s mum, says: “Gardening for Emma, grew Chinese lantern plants. I love planting wouldn’t be able to live! It’s a good skill to grow to cook with in our Garden
I like looking at the plants and smelling is a source of wonder, connection with things too. This year I helped plant know how to grow your own food instead to Table cooking classes. I gained a
the lavender. My proudest gardening others, peace, calm and pride. It allows her an apricot tree. I have never eaten an of buying it. I also love spending time knife license at school to chop up the
moment is when I pulled out a big big to find success without the challenges of apricot from a tree so I am excited to one outside and getting muddy.” vegetables that we grow.”
root with a fork. It took three people to speech, written language and mathematics day eat one.”
carry it to the compost pile.” found in the classroom.” Andrew Keaney with Haumoana School's
Mrs Ailsa Slui and Mr Jon Lovell
FRESH 6 FRESH 7
COMMUNITY
T&G d e l i v e rs T&G Global has once “It was a fun day out for all ages,” says Bruce,
The numbers
f
“visitors ate some of the delicious apples we
o
again proudly supported
truck lo a d s
grow in our orchard which was in flower and
the Mitre 10 Mega Ride looking stunning right now; they won some Money raised $24,000
in a Truck day. great prizes and helped support the good
Truck convoy ticket sales 223
work Bellyful and Little Elms do.”
Hosted on October 14th at T&G East Site
d
Truck numbers 185
g oo
The day wouldn’t have happened without the
a
in Hastings, the fun-filled community event
o r
Furthest travelled to attend
f
efforts of T&G’s Natasha Harrison and her
n
hosted hundreds of trucks, thousands of
f u
team, who did an amazing job of organising Eden Haulage from Invercargill
members of the community and helped to
raise tens of thousands of dollars for Bellyful (even attending meetings on Saturdays!), People attended 3,000
and Little Elms charities. setting up the site and running such an
Volunteer numbers 113
incredible event.
cause
“It was a pleasure to once again host this
important event, the community and the “It was a great day, we’re lucky to work in a
convoy of big rigs that the Mitre 10 Mega company that supports great causes like this
Ride in a Truck day brings with it at our in our home town,” says Natasha.
Whakatu site in Hastings,” says Bruce Beaton,
“I’m feeling very grateful, especially towards
pipfruit manager, T&G.
all our T&G staff that volunteered their time
“T&G’s roots run deep in the Hawke’s Bay on a beautiful day to support us. And to
region, and we’re proud to support the those who brought a raffle ticket, T&G sold
community that supports us. We’re proud 45 books which helped raise $900 before
that we once again helped raise over the event even started. Thank you all for your
$20,000 for Bellyful and Little Elms. These support,” she says.
outstanding local charities help people
during tough times, so it was great to play
our part,” says Bruce.
T&G offered more than just an open space
for the event with passionate local staff
donating their time to ensure the day ran
smoothly and safely with food, drinks and
entertainment on offer for truck drivers and
attendees alike.
Visitors got up close with 185 stunning
big rigs and watched digger and bulldozer Convoy to T&G
drivers taking part in the annual Contractors and Truck Pull
Association competition. (below)
“It was a great day, we’re lucky
to work in a company that
supports great causes like this
in our home town.”
Natasha, T&G
T&G’s JAZZ truck
FRESH 8 FRESH 9
COMMUNITY SUSTAINABILITY
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BUSINE
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doing
T&G are proudly supporting
Auckland based food rescue charity
KiwiHarvest, helping them to feed
community groups and charities with
donations of fresh produce.
As part of our As part of this commitment T&G has From these discussions, Energy
launched a new internal online energy Management Action Plans were developed
Depending on the needs of the groups, KiwiHarvest delivers the
collaboration with monitoring platform allowing operations allowing staff to drill down and focus on
produce fresh or uses it to prepare delicious, nutritious meals for EECA, T&G is focused and technical managers to log in from the behavioural and operational changes
women’s refuges, emergency housing shelters, youth mentoring on supporting energy anywhere and access daily energy they can make and how to better care for
groups, food banks and community meals from Whangaparoa to
Pukekohe.
efficiency understanding consumption information. refrigeration systems, lighting, boilers and
heating systems.
and awareness to allow Energy consultants EnergyNZ, met with T&G
“We’re proud to support KiwiHarvest through produce donations,”
says Andrew Keaney, general manager NZ produce, T&G.
us to improve how we site managers to discuss and showcase the
new platform and highlighted how the data
Each site can then discuss their actions
with T&G’s sustainability team and energy
use energy. can be used to better control and improve consultants on a quarterly basis to make
“Through our support, we’re helping to get nourishing produce
their energy consumption. Each month sure they’re on track to reach their sites
onto the tables of those members of the community who need it
sites are sent a summary of their monthly goals and continuously improve.
most - which makes a lot of sense.”
energy consumption, with comparisons to
KiwiHarvest also rescues surplus foods before they go into landfills, the baseline year (2015) and how their site
to prepare into meals for those in need, but T&G’s fresh produce is tracking against the previous year.
donations completely transform the nutritional value of the food
being provided to vulnerable people.
“The team at KiwiHarvest thank you for sharing our vision to rescue
good food and for your generosity,” says Maria Madill, manager,
KiwiHarvest Auckland.
“Steve Higgs, Aaron Leslie and all the T&G crew are such a pleasure
to work with. It makes our job of sharing goodness with those who
are struggling so efficient and impactful.
“Everyone is incredibly grateful as so many families simply don’t
have access to fresh food and we frequently hear of our young
people trying fruits and vegetables for the first time,
“We’re fortunate that we have a strong network of industry
partners like T&G who help us make sure that safe and high-quality
food can reach those who need it most.”
FRESH 10 FRESH 11
SECTION SUSTAINABILITY
P la n t i n g f o r
the envi r o n m e n t down a bed of mulch and bark to retain soil moisture and provide
sustenance to the growing trees.
for Sustainable Coastlines. “Regeneration not only does good for
the local environment by reducing sediment and nutrient run-off, it
also provides an opportunity to increase our connection to nature,
Our people’s passion was evident on the day. The local staff
which is good for mental health and helps balance greenhouse
members suggested we name the site and highlight the special
emissions,” says Fletcher.
significance it holds amongst them. The habitat is now referred
to as Te Taiao o Kapiro - which translates to ‘encompassing the T&G held a second planting day in November, planting another
whole environment and planting’, highlighting our pride over the 1200 natives along our orchard in Riwaka, Nelson. To suit the
For the second year in a row, passionate T&G people teamed establishment of a local habitat. The riparian planting days are an
transformed habitat. Their efforts will have a positive flow on effect coastal location, the team planted swamp sedge, salt marsh
up with Sustainable Coastlines to show some love to the Kapiro awesome opportunity to share our love for our local environments
downstream, as the Kapiro stream flows through to the Rangitane ribbonwood, estuarine tussock, cabbage tree, flax, rush species
Stream, planting 1000 native trees on its banks near Kerikeri, in across our teams and plant a habitat that can be enjoyed for years
river and eventually out to sea via the Kerikeri inlet. and toe toe. The natives will capture carbon from the atmosphere
Northland. This event follows a similar effort from 2016 which saw to come,” says Samantha.
over their lifetime and planting natives on T&G owned land means
T&G teams from Kerikeri pitching in to plant 900 natives plants. “Riparian regeneration is a key component in cleaning up New
And the T&G team proved that they knew a thing or two about we can ensure they will be well looked after with watering and
Zealand's waterways and contributing to environmental, social and
Samantha Walmsley-Bartlett, T&G’s sustainability analyst, says planting – with 40 staff members from Kerikeri getting their feet maintenance offering a better chance of survival.
economic well-being,” says Fletcher Sunde, programme manager
the planting is part of T&G’s commitment to ‘Growing Green’ and hands deep into the soil, planting Solander’s hedge, cabbage
which includes biodiversity and supporting the health of our local trees, flax, karo and pokaka to help improve the water quality of
waterways and the land we grow on. the stream. The area planted was 200 metres in length along the
stream’s bank and 900 square metres in size. Denis Barker, the
“The planting will help minimise erosion by strengthening the
Kapiro orchard manager, did an excellent job preparing his team
stream’s bank, ensuring water can continue to flow easily. The
and the site for the plantings by clearing invasive species and laying
natives will also assist in minimising nutrient loss and support the
T&G staff and
volunteers after
planting in
Kerikeri.
FRESH 12 FRESH 13
SECTION
NEW TOMATOES FOR SUMMER
Give your summer dishes extra colour Try these serving suggestions
and flavour with all new Beekist® for Beekist® Chef’s Selection or
Tomatoes Chef’s Selection or Sunshine Mix this summer:
Sunshine Mix.
1. Slice into quarters and place on
Chef’s Selection or Sunshine Mix top of blinis (small pancakes) with
combine beautiful tasting and vibrantly fresh mozzarella, basil and balsamic
coloured yellow, red, purple and black glaze for an instant crowd-pleasing
z z –
tomatoes that will make any meal canapé.
All t he b u
visually stunning while delivering the
2. Line an oven tray with baking paper
delicious taste sensation Beekist®
and cut savoury puff pastry into
tomatoes are known for.
a g ’ s
squares. Spread pesto on the base,
My F oo d B
Chef’s Selection brings an array of adorn with an array of colourful
beautiful tomato sweetness, flavour tomatoes, sprinkle with parmesan
“Seeing our local operation for themselves, and colour together by combining and bake in a hot oven for ten
s i t
Angel, Red Delight, Y.E.L.O., and the minutes for a delicious dinner or
vi
meeting our friendly growers and watching
Bee k is t
the humble, hard-working bumble bees deep richness of the Kumato tomatoes lunch on the go!
buzzing overhead, visiting and pollinating together in one sensational pack.
3. Quarter them and add them to any
flowers on the vines certainly impressed
Sunshine Mix™ combines sweetness salad or kebab for an instant foodie
them,” says Michelle.
with a gourmet factor by bringing red update on your Summer staple
Nadia Lim says Beekist® tomatoes fit delight beauties with deliciously rich dishes.
perfectly with their concept of eating food flavoured Y.E.L.O. tomatoes.
Beekist® Chef’s Selection and
the way nature intended, while putting
Sunshine Mix packs are available in
natural ingredients front and centre of their
the fresh produce section of all New
recipes.
World and Pak’nSave supermarkets
“Our customers want to know where their nationwide. And remember to store
food comes from, how it’s grown and who all tomatoes in a shady spot outside of
grows it – as well as how to prepare it. And the fridge. They will taste better!
I saw for myself that Beekist® ticks all these
With the New Zealand My Food Bag, a T&G customer, is New picking and packing our locally grown boxes, so My Food Bag customers are going
Zealand’s premium food home delivery Beekist® tomatoes," says Michelle.
tomato season in full
to love these flavoursome tomatoes this
service. They provide tens of thousands of summer,” says Nadia.
swing the team from busy kiwi customers with a weekly hamper
“And by working with them to supply
tomatoes for their new Christmas Mix
My Food Bag visited of free-range, locally grown, seasonal
packs, we’ll also be showing their customers
one of T&G’s glass produce and recipes to cook meals each
night of the week.
how delicious, sweet and bursting with
houses to see first- flavour our Beekist® tomatoes are.”
hand how our Beekist® Michelle Singh, marketing manager at T&G
says sampling Beekist® tomatoes with My
Beekist® Christmas Mix is a medley of red,
“It was great to show
tomatoes are grown. Food Bag’s foodie customers is an amazing
yellow and mocha tomatoes that will be
Nadia all the care and
delivered to thousands of My Food Bag attention to detail that goes
opportunity to showcase T&G's tomatoes,
customers with a delicious recipe for them into growing, picking and
made even more worthwhile considering
to prepare. packing our locally grown
renowned chef Nadia Lim has designed a
Beekist® tomatoes.”
recipe specifically for the produce. While at T&G's Favona Road glass house
Michelle, marketing manager, T&G
operation, the My Food Bag team took
“It was great to show Nadia all the care and
photos of Nadia to promote the Beekist®
attention to detail that goes into growing,
Christmas Mix to their customers.
FRESH 14 FRESH 15
Available from
Potato growers Eamon Balle from Balle Brothers and Pravin
Masters from Masters Produce with Andrew Keaney, T&G.
Lotatoes™
takes out
prestigious Food
Awards
T&G’s Lotatoes™ has loved by kiwi consumers. We’re extremely
proud of Lotatoes™ win at the 2017 New
fended off four other Zealand Food Awards,” says Andrew Keaney,
food innovators to be executive general manager NZ produce,
achievement for everyone involved,” says
Michelle Singh, marketing manager at T&G.
crowned winner of the T&G who accepted the top award.
Ministry for Primary “Having judges recognise our Lotatoes™
Michelle says winning the award is
recognition for the efforts of the entire
A melt in your mouth taste with just 9.8gms of carbohydrates per 100grms. Industries Primary confirms we are on the right track with
team, from the passionate growers, growing
Sector Products Award our innovation. Innovation in the produce
industry takes a long time, so hats off to
and nurturing the plants through to supply
at the 2017 New Zealand the dedicated teams from T&G and our
chain, marketing and sales.
Food Awards. growing partners Balle Brother and Masters “Being recognised by the New Zealand Food
Produce for getting Lotatoes™ from the soil Awards is a credit to the work of all of our
The category promotes, recognises and
to the supermarket shelves.” passionate people, who ensure Lotatoes™
showcases amazing innovations in primary
had both the health credentials consumers
sector products, processing and packaging This top-notch potato, with 40% less carbs
wanted and the great potato taste they love.
methods. and fewer calories than other potato
*Lotatoes potatoes contain 40% fewer calories and 40% fewer carbohydrates (per 100gms) than the commonly available Rua and Agria potato varieties.
™
varieties, was developed by cross-breeding "It's also validation that we are doing
And strong innovation featured in this year
different varieties of potato seeds together. what’s right environmentally - so we’re very
among finalists but Lotatoes™ came out
proud to be receiving this award and the
on top with the judges being particularly Those seeds have a shorter, more
judge’s recognition for both innovation and
impressed with the process used to sustainable, growth cycle using less water
sustainability," says Michelle.
naturally breed and sustainably grow the than traditional spuds making them
lower carb and fewer calorie potato that’s better for the environment. And it’s this And Lotatoes™ lovers can rejoice with
taken New Zealand by storm. combination that has made Lotatoes™ a new season Lotatoes™ and all new Baby
winner. Lotatoes™ available now in selected
“Lotatoes™ is a high quality and delicious
Countdown stores nationwide - just in time
potato, sustainably grown right here in “Lotatoes™ were five years in the making,
for summer salads and Christmas meals.
New Zealand by passionate farmers and so getting them into stores was a massive
FRESH 16 FRESH 17
Visit lotatoes.co.nz for recipes, grower stories and more information
EVENTS
Cel e b r a t i n g a n d The T&G roadshow wound its way all
a r i n g
over New Zealand recently, stopping
sh
off at every New Zealand T&G site,
for a business update.
Turn out at each site was impressive, with T&G people eager to
learn more about the business' history, engage with leaders in a
Q&A and of course eat cake – of which there was plenty of.
Andrew Keaney, executive general manager NZ Produce, T&G
was on hand in most sites to update our people on our business,
celebrate and acknowledge the contribution everyone has made to
ensuring our success over the past 120years.
T&G's Andrew
Keaney, Alastair Joining Andrew for the session at T&G in Hastings was CEO Alastair
Hulbert, Kevin Hulbert and about 300 orchard and office based staff.
Tohill, Mark Snell,
“It was vital to get to each location to meet with and celebrate this
Darren Dury and
key milestone with all our people, who without we wouldn’t be
Tony Lorkin.
where we are today,” says Andrew.
T&G CEO
“We began as a small fruit auctioneer in Auckland, New Zealand in Alastair Hulbert
1897 and we’re now an international vertically integrated grower,
picker, packer, shipper, trader and marketer of fresh fruit and
vegetables,
“And we know that, if we’re going to be around for the next 120
years, it’s our people that are going to get us there. And they’ll do
that by growing quality, sustainable produce, maintaining year-
round freshness to provide a healthier lifestyle for everyone we
share the planet with.”
“It was vital to get to each location to meet
with all our hard working teams and celebrate
this key milestone during the roadshows. It
was a privilege meeting those who without we
wouldn’t be where we are today.”
Andrew Keaney, T&G general manager, NZ produce
FRESH 18 FRESH 19SECTION
G row e r P rofile
AARON FINLAY
T&G senior leading
hand Riwaka
“ Orcharding is a very
challenging but rewarding
career. I love it and one
day I hope to manage a
block of my own.
”
- Aaron Finlay
A
s a 12-year-old, T&G’s Aaron Finlay, took his first steps task throughout the day. I was stoked.” Looking back, Aaron is more than happy with the career path
towards a career in orcharding without even realising it. he chose. As the youngest of five siblings, Aaron says his
The appeal of orcharding he says is looking at the big picture and
While in school, he landed a part-time job cleaning a fruit parents were relaxed and didn’t push him in any particular
seeing how your actions affect the growth of the tree over the years.
pack house near Nelson – picking up discarded apples, sweeping direction. “I think the most important thing to ask yourself is
the floor, and doing odd jobs. “It’s like a big puzzle. There are so many factors at play like the ‘what are you going to be happy doing?’
weather, pollination, bi-annual bearing and pruning. If you prune
Despite this early introduction, he never planned to become an “I’ve always been a hands-on, outdoors person. I’ve heard
too hard, the next year the tree will retaliate and throw out
orchardist. After high school he took a job on an apple orchard to people say that orchardists make a lot of money for doing
hundreds of branches. It’s very challenging and there’s a lot of jobs
save money for a dairy farming course. “But I ended up loving being very little. But that shows a complete lack of understanding
to do. Every day is different.”
outdoors and working with apple trees so I stayed where I was.” about what’s involved. With orcharding you learn every day
Like other horticultural industries, growing apples is becoming very and I want to carry on learning and improve my skills as
Fourteen years on, Aaron is now a senior leading hand on T&G’s
high tech. much as possible.”
Riwaka orchard, just north of Motueka, overseeing four full-time
staff and up to 40 part-timers during apple harvest. “There’s massive technology developments coming through orchards Aaron has now has almost completed a Diploma in
at the moment which is really exciting.” Horticulture.
“My day-to-day job involves pretty much everything – mowing,
mulching, spraying and constant repairs to the tractors. I also Other developments on our Riwaka orchard include a new multi- “Orcharding is a very challenging but rewarding career. I love
oversee the pruning and canker crews to make sure everything million-dollar optical grading system, automated bin cards, digital it and one day I hope to manage a block of my own.”
is being done correctly and checking they don’t need any help trap logs to record bugs and pests, and a new app which analyses
Want to grow your world with T&G?
or supplies. I like to pass my knowledge on to others so they the ‘colour aspect’ of apples on the trees to help decide whether
Visit https://careers.tandg.global/home
understand what they’re doing and why.” they’re ready to pick.
Grow your world with
Aaron was also named runner-up at this year’s Nelson Young Fruit “With some varieties of apple, like Envy™, it’s very hard for the
Grower competition. “That was huge for me. I was shocked when human eye to detect the colour difference as the apple ripens. This
they called my name, but I had scored consistent results for each will make it much easier which is pretty cool.”
FRESH 21SECTION
E n v y™ r o a d s h o w
t h r o u g h T e x a s
winds
Samples of fresh-
picked Washington-
grown apples were a
hit with shoppers at
a number of retailers
across Texas.
Having spanned both Rick and the roadshow crew also promoted • Donation of a salad bar, which was
the Envy™ 'Show Us Your Stockings' specifically requested by the student
import and domestic campaign, an Instagram photo contest body through the Saladbars2schools.org
seasons, the successful which runs through the end of 2017 and grant programme, to the Brooke Charter
Envy™ roadshow will award four winners with exciting, High School in Boston;
wrapped up in the large enviable prizes, including a $3,000 grand
prize for the best photo. The contest aims
As Envy™ volume increases over the next
and growing US markets to replicate the success of last summer’s
several years, these types of consumer-
of Dallas/Fort Worth, JAZZ™ Summer Vacation Sensation
facing initiatives – which also add
immeasurable value to the quality products
Austin and San Antonio, Instagram contest which received over 700
we sell to our retail customers – will
submissions from consumers throughout
Texas, during November. North America.
increase brand awareness, demand, and
sales for the apple that was already voted
“With Rick’s participation, the Instagram America’s favourite earlier in 2017. We look
contest, and the enthusiasm we’re seeing forward to delivering the #biteandbelieve
Sampling events at Walmart, Whole Foods,
from our retail partners, we expect that the experience to all corners of North America
HEB and Fiesta stores gave their shoppers
Texas roadshow events will be our most and will keep you posted along the way!
an opportunity to learn about and sample
successful to date,” says Brock Nemecek,
our fresh-picked, Washington-grown apples.
T&G North America marketing manager.
As a special treat, Envy™ grower and T&G Highlights of the first two, 30-day roadshow
North America programme manager, Rick stops in Boston and San Francisco include:
Derrey, attended several of the events
• 50 sampling events at retail stores and
giving consumers a glimpse into Envy’s™
other popular gathering spots, like the
on
Follow Envy apples
farm-to-table journey. “I know that, for me,
Prudential Center shopping mall in Boston;
apples
Instagram @envy
a greater understanding of where your food
comes from makes the eating experience • 6,000 apples, whole and sliced, to samplers;
even more enjoyable,” says Rick.
FRESH 22 FRESH 23m i t m e n t
GLOBAL SECTION
c e m e n ts c o m
t e d T&G re- t u r e s e c to r
JA Z Z ™ vo to growi n g h o r t i c u l
s T a s tie s t A p p l e ’ a t
‘U K ’ h o w
l F r ui t S
T&G Global has signed an extended five-year sponsorship “As an advocate for over 1500 growers and 120 years’ growing
N a t i o n a
agreement with the Royal NZ Institute of Horticulture Education experience, T&G understands the challenges our industry faces
th e
Trust which runs the Young Horticulturalist of the Year competition. from adverse weather to finding talent. The Young Horticulturalist
competition helps address the latter by supporting emerging talent
T&G supported the annual competition since it started in 2005,
across the spectrum of growing from wine to flowers and fresh food.
renewing annually, as a top-tier partnering sponsor but the growing
As a major employer, we take our role in enabling and attracting
need for more talent in the industry has led T&G to double its
young people into horticulture seriously and hopefully our increased
financial support through to 2022.
With the coming UK season signifying the fresh produce. support of the competition will further assist the growth required
10th anniversary of British grown JAZZ™ Andrew Keaney, T&G’s executive general manager NZ produce, says to ensure we reach the industry’s combined target of $10 billion in
JAZZ™ showcased why it’s so popular when
apples, Kent-based grower Peter Chandler T&G considers competitions like the Young Horticulturalist of the value by 2020.”
it comes to taste, flavour and crunch after
has helped the special variety celebrate in Year to be incredibly important.
scooping first and second prize in the Find out more about the Young Horticulturalist of the Year Awards
style after his JAZZ™ won the much-coveted
‘Tastiest Apple’ category. It’s the third time in “They’re vital for developing and recognising the next generations’ visit www.younghort.co.nz
‘Tastiest Apple’ title at the National Fruit Show
five years that JAZZ™ has won the ‘Tastiest skills and knowledge to ensure that as an industry, we are collectively
2017-2018.
Apple’ award. supporting our future leaders.”
Taking place in October at the Kent Event
This year, the first placed JAZZ™ were grown T&G’s strengthened commitment will enable a significant step-up
Centre, the National Fruit Show is the biggest
by Peter Chandler and the team at Chandler in gear for the competition says Young Horticulturalist of the Year
celebration of the UK’s commercially grown
and Dunn, who have been farming the East organiser Susan Tremain.
top fruit and soft fruit with all the leading
Kent landscape for over 200 years, and
players and growers in attendance.
the JAZZ™ grown by Simon Bray of Monks THE JAZZ™ UK “Securing a five-year strategic partnership from a company of T&G's
The centrepiece of the show is the hotly- Farms in Kent picked up second place in the JOURNEY stature is a massive vote of confidence for the growing relevance
contested awards featuring 60 different contest. Well done to both! of the competition, which not only sets the bar for the industry,
• JAZZ™ is the joint fastest-growing but horticulture's rise as a potential economic powerhouse in New
categories showcasing the best of British
apple variety in the UK and recently Zealand's future.
overtook Golden Delicious to
“It also sends a strong signal that the major players in our economy
become the 6th most popular 2017 Young Horticulturist of the Year Shanna Hickling with competition
are committed to taking horticulture into a bigger and better future partnering sponsors, Andrew Keaney of T&&G Global, Malcolm Nitschke
variety with over 125,000,000
as well as the young talented Kiwis who are building that future in from AGMARDT and Max Spence from Fruitfed Supplies.
consumed last year alone – that’s
horticulture. The world needs food and the planet needs it to be
around two for every man, woman
produced sustainably,” adds Susan.
and child. The retail value of the
brand now stands at £44million, an
Andrew Keaney continues saying the competition also supports the
increase of 19% year on year.
growing horticulture industry which is now worth $8 billion.
• Now available in Aldi, Asda, Booths,
Co-op, Lidl, Morrisons, M&S, Ocado,
Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Waitrose,
JAZZ™ had a brand refresh earlier
this year and are a global favourite “They’re vital for developing and recognising the
grown in over ten countries around next generations’ skills and knowledge to ensure
the world under a closely controlled that as an industry, we are collectively supporting
quality growing programme our future leaders Andrew Keaney with the organisers of the Young Horticulturist of
managed by T&G Global. the Year competition - RNZIH Ed Trust celebrating T&&G Gobal's
Andrew, T&G executive general manager, NZ produce
five-year commitment to the Young Horticulturist competition.
FRESH 24 FRESH 25OUR PEOPLE
““I started out as a hobby grower but took
it over from my dad when he retired...I
Grower Profile
found I really enjoyed it and now I grow a
few of my own varieties...”
S t r a i g h t
Dave Clark, Pukekohe grower
T&G FINANCE – IT’S ALL
n g
by rapid growth in towns and cities and high demand for new
S ta l k i
housing. Changes in weather patterns and extreme unseasonal
weather events are becoming more frequent and damaging,
IN THE NUMBERS
impacting the supply and, consequently, the price of fresh, healthy
food. Things are changing fast, so we need to look closely at our T&G’s finance team got together for a two-day conference
domestic food supply and be sure that town, city and regional during September - breaking down silos, strengthening
Andrew planning decisions are seen in the context of impacting the whole of relationships and putting faces to the names on emails and
Keaney New Zealand’s food supply." phone calls.
Celery may look pretty straight-up and Dave
but it can be difficult to grow Cla rk.
Andrew continues saying asparagus for example has dropped from
700 growers in 1990 to just 30 today across New Zealand.
“We had around 50 members of our finance team from
Hawke’s Bay and Australia join our team in Auckland for the
unless you have years of experience two-day conference,” says Harpreet Gill, financial accounting
behind you like Pukekohe grower, “That drop is due to a range of factors but it also demonstrates manager, T&G.
Dave Clark. wildlife neighbours began being swapped for families. Dave expects how much our horticulture sector is changing and how important
new challenges will emerge as a result of the changing community ensuring growers have a license to operate in a sustainable “It was not only a chance to learn about industry best
make-up. environment is if we are to continue to enjoy the amazing fresh fruit practice and business insights from T&G’s senior and
and vegetables New Zealand is known for.” executive team members, it gave us the opportunity to get
His family has been growing celery for the past 50 years and are a “I can see restrictions being placed by Council on the way I grow to know one another as people – essential when we’re in
long-term partner of T&G. plus more regulatory and compliance. I really don’t want to sell, like constant contact with each other but are based all over the
other growers are being enticed to do by property developers. I country or over the ditch,” she says.
Celery is notoriously hard to grow, being sensitive to extreme have a profitable business here but I’m now stuck in the middle of
temperatures and taking up to five months to mature. It’s a a residential area which will be challenging for both parties when it The two days were action packed with training from BDO,
challenging category and today there are less than 10 celery growers comes to spraying, irrigation, dust and noise.” various divisional updates from key T&G people, finance
in New Zealand. But Dave is an expert, having perfected his growing specific discussions and team building exercises.
programme over the past two decades. Like T&G, Dave is concerned about security of food supply and wants
to see more done at a regulatory level around preserving fertile “It was full on but worthwhile couple of days, with everyone
“I started out as a hobby grower but took it over from my dad when agricultural land. learning more about our industry, the business and about
he retired,” Dave recounts. “I found I really enjoyed it and now I grow each other,” says Harpreet.
a few of my own varieties including Triple 8; it’s consistently dark “Our elite soil resource is diminishing as housing expands around
green and grows three times a year. Another variety of mine is Clark’s Pukekohe which has been tilled for over 150 years.” Thanks to Jason Hill, group accountant T&G, for taking charge
Slow Bolting which I grow from June to August. Both generate quality and organising such an amazing event.
yields.” T&G’s executive general manager, New Zealand produce, Andrew
Keaney says T&G supports growers’ choice to sell their land if they
Dave developed his special varieties through his own selected wish but would support more action being taken on protecting food
breeding process including a commitment to reducing the farms’ supply as is the case in other countries.
impact on the environment. Being shallow-rooted, celery likes to be
kept moist. Dave has responded by ensuring direct placement of “In California for example, areas have been designated purely for
water, infused with nitrogen, onto his plants to minimise wastage. horticulture to ensure people are not completely dependent on
imported food. Unfortunately, that is a reality for New Zealand if we
Like many growers, Dave faces new challenges as rural meets city on do not future proof our growing resources.”
the outskirts of Auckland, especially around burgeoning Pukekohe
where housing has more than doubled over the past five years. Horticulture New Zealand’s chief executive Mike Chapman agrees
saying New Zealand needs to develop a national food security
Two years ago, his property was rezoned as special housing, and his strategy. "Prime fruit and vegetable growing land is being squeezed
FRESH 26SECTION OUR PEOPLE
Teams c o n qu e r
l e n g e
T&G Teams
co a s ta l c h a l T&G Rabbits
Angus Philpott, Kristen Nash & Richard
2nd place, Team Run Mixed
T&G Jazz
Ian Christie, Warren Laugesen & Gavin Garland
11th place Team Run Male
T&G Envy
Amanda MacLeod, Adam Tomlinson & Nick Porter
11th place Team Run Mixed
Individual
Rebecca Jenks
6th place Run Female
T&G Rose
Amy Allan, Rebecca Blunden & Anna Borsboom
26th place Team Run Female
T&G Queen
Heather Browning, Duncan Park & Suzanne Robinson
18th place Team Walk Mixed
Nash, Gavin
Nick Porter, Kristen gesen,
Gar land, Warren Lau Leod,
da Mac
Duncan Park, Aman becca
Adam Tomlinson, Re
boom, Heather
Blunden, Anna Bors llan.
On Saturday 14th October 16 keen “It was an awesome event and it was great seeing so many of our Browning & Amy A
people, from all fitness levels, get into it,” says Adam Tomlinson,
T&G pipfruit competitors raced in the finance analyst at T&G.
9th annual Staples Rodway Challenge
in New Zealand's picturesque “Our teams had been training for months, preparing for the big
day, and it all paid off with everyone making it back to the finish line
Hawkes Bay. injury free.”
Not only did each T&G team finish, but they placed well out of the
The 16 were split into five teams of three, running or walking 11km 850 competitors that ran in the event. Flying the flag at the front
each, with one solo competitor who ran the entire 33km. of the pace was T&G Rabbits, who lived up to their name, placing
second by just 25 seconds in the Team Mixed Run.
The team joined over 850 others who took part in the challenge
which started and finished at Clifton Bay in Hastings, Hawkes Rebecca Jenks, market planner, T&G placed a respectable sixth
Bay. The course ran over private land and competitors were overall in the female solo run. Team T&G Rose could have possibly
treated to some of the most stunning scenery for any event in finished stronger had they not stopped to take the photos from
the world. the course that you’re seeing here!
It was perfect weather on race day and the course took runners “It was a day full of team work and accomplishment made even better
over beaches, native forest, waterfalls, river gorges and coastal thanks to the stunning weather in one of the more beautiful parts of
farmland, even past the largest gannet colony in the world. the world. “We’ll be back next year for sure,” concludes Adam.
FRESH 28 FRESH 29SECTION
The Adaptive
AW i n - W i n Athlete
Programme
Ex p e r ie n c e Members from T&G’s strategy, master
data and business reporting teams have
been volunteering for Adaptive Athletics
physically and mentally challenged kids all
over Auckland.
“We weren’t just bystanders, there
Jose Cerpa, Ingeniero Agronomo, QC manager T&G Chile. - assisting a group of kids with varying
was a real opportunity to interact and
disabilities from Pakuranga College.
participate with the kids in a way that
Along with a weekly produce donation for made a difference to them,” says Darren
Fresh asked Jose a bit e
athletes and helpers, T&G staff visit the Kinsman, senior data analyst at T&G.
Jose Cerpa was recently seconded
more about this experienc
high school and help the kids with sit ups,
to Oregon, Dallas and Bakersfield in circuits, push ups and shuttle runs.
“And this also helped us to learn a bit
about a society that we otherwise would
California for a two month project, “The kids have varying degrees of not have much understanding of,” he says.
supporting T&G Global’s cherry operations What were the areas that surprised you
the most?
also great to work with the Sun World team
and be able to visit eight packing houses.
disability, typically caused by brain
And all team’s efforts are working, with
at the Orchard View packing house. trauma, autism or cerebral palsy,” says
carers saying that since starting the
The huge volumes our teams manage and Also, I experienced the effects of the Tim Clarkson, chief strategy officer, T&G.
programme the kid’s activity levels have
the overall processes and systems in place “always hot” climate conditions in California
“It’s so great to work with these wonderful lifted both through physical and mental
As part of the T&G Global team in Chile, Jose looks after quality control for to deal with such an amount of product in compared with Chile, where we have cold
children. It’s both a very uplifting and engagement.
berries, grapes, cherries and stone fruit. As a subject matter expert, he was an effective way. This US processing is very nights and hot days. Given that, in California I
heart-warming experience. These kids
able to bring his expertise to North America, and advise his colleagues on different from the Chilean way, which is could taste grapes with low acidity and good “I believe that if more people knew about
touch your soul and it’s hard not to
best practice. more targeted. In the USA harvests are at eating quality regardless the low brix, which this initiative that there would be more
be impressed by the resilience they
big scale, all sectors in one go. Whereas in was totally new for me. interest, and we’re looking to extend our
show to overcome the variety of issues
While there he worked closely with Skalisky Kc, Nick Bright and Tim Jacometti, Chile is quite segmented and we select area participation next term to see if more
What were the improvement or caused by their disabilities" says Tim. The
sharing valuable tips and knowledge with Piers Hanbury, Mario Volpa and by area, in a sequential way. These different of our people would like to help on
optimisations you wanted to achieve? programme is run by Michael Hynard
Kazumi Ito, supporting and monitoring the overall interaction to ensure the processes were something new. other of the mornings during the week,”
from Les Mills Gym, who volunteers to run
best use of time and resources.
I was happy to see we built reassurance in concludes Tim.
Another difference I noticed is that in Chile, one-hour hands on, interactive training
“Jose made a very positive impact to our business during his two month stay the local US team in regards sending the sessions every weekday morning for
90% of fresh produce is export quality and
in the US,” said Kazumi Ito, general manager at T&G North America. product through this selection process
tends to go overseas. That is the focus for
that generated higher levels of customer
Chilean growers. However, in the US the
“He represented T&G well and was received well by our growers and acceptance and basically no claims.
domestic market is big and pays well.
customers who visited during the season. We hope to have him back with us
next year!” That was the main contribution of Jose in
The focus from Chile is more selective and
his words, being able to help the US team
customised by export market.
Jose was instrumental in helping the US team identify and differentiate the improve the quality systems and reduce the
type of product that would better meet our South-East Asia customer’s You also gained exposure to the grapes claims.
requirements. growing varieties from California, what
Jose was very grateful for the experience
can you tell us about that?
In this way, we could be better prepared to meet their local market and the opportunity to collaborate and learn
expectations in terms of specs for size, colour, and firmness. The amount of varieties and the different from the other T&G Global operations.
T&G's Tim Clarkson helping a T&G's Marie Paterson motivating
training systems were very surprising. It was
participant with their form. athletes on the rowing machines.
FRESH 30 FRESH 31SECTION
Opposite: T&G’s Jason Greene, grower manager, covered crops, showing a team from Waiuku College, Pukekohe High School
g
Primary ITO and Teachers In Industry around our Tuakau covered crops site. Below: Markus Stamm, Greg Turrell, Cherie McAllister,
a g i n
Peta Docherty from T&G.
Eng
at the
Grass R oo ts
d in many
T&G is committed This year T&G has been involve
ding:
to highlighting the youth focused activities, inclu
horticulture industry as
a place where people can ASSESSING CAANZ STUDENTS CAREER TALKS WITH SCHOOLS SPEED NETWORKING WITH BEING PART OF THE SCHOLARSHIPS FOR
grow and develop their FOR INTERNSHIPS
In partnership with Young Farmers, some
UNIVERSITY STUDENTS SELECTION PANEL FOR YOUNG UNDERGRADUATE AND
HORTICULTURAL GROWER OF POSTGRADUATE STUDIES AT
skills and careers. Cherie McAllister, in T&G’s recruitment of our staff have been matched with Markus Stamm, supply chain improvement THE YEAR MASSEY UNIVERSITY
team, helped facilitate an assessment day interested secondary schools around manager, recently attended a speed
for finance with potential students for Auckland, talking with school children networking event at Auckland University Peta Docherty and Greg Turrell from T&G’s We continue providing scholarships for
But, due to the lack of excitement about T&G’s financial internship placement over about their roles, our business, career with over 120 IT and Supply Chain students Human Resources team are panelists for both under graduates and post graduates
horticulture by young people, T&G staff the 2017 – 2018 summer break. “As part choices they’ve made, a typical day at in their final year. the Young Horticultural Grower of the Year at Massey University, and this year T&G
are attending school events and engaging of the process I met over 30 students. It work, and answered any questions awards. Focusing on diversity, Peta will has employed two of the three most
directly with students, school leavers “We went through ten rounds of four be putting the competitors through their
was also great to hear the interest they students had. recent scholarship recipients. “We need to
and decision makers from schools and minutes, where I learnt more about paces as they work on various scenarios. “It
had for working with T&G. Most exciting continue investing in students that can later
universities at career fairs all over New the students’ achievements and career
of all was that one of the students that I JOINING THE FOOD requires a great deal of personal dedication seriously consider working for us” says Greg
aspirations and had the opportunity to tell
Zealand. assessed is going to be starting with us in & GROCERY COUNCIL and drive to reach the finals in the Young Turrell, T&G’s capability manager.
the T&G story with all the challenges our
November” says Cherie. CAREERS FAIR Horticulturalist competition. I am really
“If we don’t have a presence, we’ll find it supply chain faces,” says Markus. looking forward meeting 2017’s finalists,
harder to be considered as an employer The Food & Grocery Council runs an
DISCUSSING THE FUTURE “It was great to see the interest into our
and hearing more about their passion for
or industry of choice amongst the next annual event at Auckland University,
OF HORTICULTURE WITH company and industry and T&G was
the horticultural industry” says Peta.
generation of employees,” says Paula where T&G stood side by side with
TEACHERS definitely known for its 120 year history and
Henriques, recruitment manager, T&G other top FMCG brands. We talked to
Global. T&G’s grower manager, Jason Greene, our efforts to be a sustainable exporter of
a wide range of students, giving them
spoke on an industry panel at the fresh produce to the world.”
information on T&G and creating
“It’s great that so many of T&G’s team
WorkChoice teacher’s day and had the awareness of our brand. Seeing the
members are engaging at the grassroots,
opportunity to host teachers through students snacking on our tomatoes was
visiting and informing students and school
the Teachers in Industry Day highlighting a pleasure!
leavers on the many opportunities they have
the range of roles that students and
Grow your world with
to grow their careers with us. Hopefully we’re
school leavers should be considering in
inspiring the next generation of growers,”
horticulture.
says Paula.
FRESH 32 FRESH 33You can also read
