Neil Guymer, best known for his work in the New Zealand apple export trade, has died at the age of 94.
New Zealander Guymer, who passed away last month, joined the industry's Apple & Pear Marketing Board after military service, having served in the New Zealand Air Force.
He suffered a tough time during the war, being shot down in 1941 and becoming a prisoner of war for the remainder of the conflict after floating in the Channel for several days.
Based in the UK, he became the Apple & Pear Marketing Board's general manager responsible for Europe and the Middle East in the 1970s and 80s. It was a period in which the market was becoming increasingly competitive with South Africa and the emergence of France.
Despite the challenges, New Zealand remained a major source for wholesalers and supermarkets alike, and was virtually the sole supplier of summer Cox, as well as the first Gala and Braeburn.
In 1982 Guymer was awarded the OBE for services to New Zealand fruit exports. He was also honoured at that time through the industry tradition of naming one of its major packhouses after him.
