Low export prices and a trough in the market have spurred New Zealand pipfruit growers to meet in Nelson next month to ensure a successful future for the pipfruit industry.
About 250 growers and industry representatives are due to attend Pipfruit New Zealand’s second annual conference on January 26 and 27.
Ian Palmer, Pipfruit New Zealand’s chairman, said the conference, primarily sponsored by HortResearch, aims to provide a forum where pipfruit industry members can discuss strategies and opportunities for future growth of the industry.
“Recently, the New Zealand pipfruit industry has received indications that strategies need to be re-addressed in order to survive the economic climate,” Palmer said.
“Exporter reports across the board show low export prices and marginal grower returns suggesting the pipfruit industry is experiencing a market trough.”
“The conference’s ‘Growing Opportunities’ theme aims to bring together experts in the marketing and research fields to look at ways to move ahead.”
Leading the list of key speakers is export marketing strategist Roger Manning.
UK-based Manning is due to open the conference, at the Rutherford Hotel, with a presentation on international marketing and trade opportunities, specifically relating to the New Zealand pipfruit industry.
Palmer said: “His work with growers and produce groups as well as with European and US supermarket groups as a retail analyst has proven beneficial in the planning of international promotional programmes.”
Manning has been responsible for Israel’s Citrus Marketing Board’s export marketing programmes, the Washington Apple Commission’s European strategy and promotion, and, for five years, was responsible for the Chilean Fresh Fruit Association’s promotion throughout Europe.
Among the 14 speakers there will be national and international experts, detailing the latest research developments including intensive tree planting systems, crop volumes and work with yeasts to control apple blackspot, a disease which causes significant economic losses for the New Zealand pipfruit industry.
Also on the agenda are presentations on the current and future direction of the pipfruit industry led by Pipfruit NZ management; and a government address from the associate minister of agriculture, Damien O’Connor.
The new Chief Executive of Pipfruit NZ, Peter Beaven, said: “The conference is an ideal way to keep up-to-date with the latest developments in the pipfruit industry. The speakers have been selected for their expertise in their fields and it is hoped many opportunities will develop as a result.”
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