Prevar has appointed Snow Hardy as its new commercial manager. Hardy’s role will focus on helping the company globally commercialise new apple and pear cultivars, developed through Plant & Food Research New Zealand’s breeding programme.
The breeding programme has a long history of developing market-leading pipfruit cultivars sold under brands such as Jazz, Rockit, Smitten, Envy and the recently released Piqa Boo.
Hardy, who most recently served as Freshmax’s general manager of global pipfruit, said he was excited to be taking up the new role, saying he saw “many wonderful new selections in the pipeline.”
“The role that Prevar and new pipfruit cultivars in particular play for the Australian and New Zealand pipfruit industry is something I am very passionate about,” Hardy explained. “I have seen first-hand the challenges growers face to remain viable in a very crowded and competitive industry. I truly believe that Prevar has access to the best breeding program anywhere in the world with Plant & Food Research. The ongoing challenge is to maximise the full value of these cultivars for the benefit of Australian and New Zealand growers and the greater industry.”
Prevar CEO Brett Ennis said the company was extremely fortunate to have someone of Hardy’s experience coming on board.
“New global licensing opportunities mean that Prevar requires additional resources,” Ennis said. “Snow joins us with substantial industry experience and a global network. His skills will bring significant capability to Prevar.”
