Collaboration is key to the survival of New Zealand’s horticulture industry, says newly appointed president of the country’s only pan-produce organisation.
Jerry Prendergast succeeds David Smith as president of industry organisation United Fresh, bringing with him more than 35 years in the produce industry, currently as national key account and brand development manager at MG Marketing.
The new president has been appointed as United Fresh celebrates 25-years, with Prendergast commenting that the produce industry is entering a new era of business.
“New varieties, sustainability, new technologies and competitive advantage are just some of the factors guiding our strategic plan into the future,” Prendergast said. “In New Zealand we need to be collaborative to survive. We have a wealth of talented people that make our industry great and this is what will take us to the next level.”
United Fresh comprises 92 New Zealand fresh produce companies and offers its members guidance on issues sch as food safety, traceability, biosecurity and nutrition claims.
Prendergast says the organisation will continue to offer leadership, support and advice to its members,
“The reputation of our produce industry would be under threat if food safety was compromised, so it is an area where we cannot be complacent,” Prendergast says. “This committee plays a vital role for biosecurity matters relating to our produce industry and will be a key focus for United Fresh into the future.
“Working in partnership with the Ministry for Primary Industries and Horticulture New Zealand is vital to being able to move swiftly during a major biosecurity event.”
United Fresh also runs the ‘5+ A Day’ campaign and ‘Fruit in Schools’ initiative, providing 23m pieces of fruit and vegetables to 115,000 children each year.
The organisation's members include Horticulture New Zealand, Foodstuffs, Countdown, Plant & Food Research, T&G Global, MG Marketing, Freshmax, Fresh Direct, New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated, and Pipfruit New Zealand.
