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Avoscene
New Zealand Avocado Growers’ Journal
July 2018
Growing
avocados
for the
world
Inside this issue:
• 2018 New Zealand Avocado
International Industry Conference
29-31 August 2018. Tickets at
www.avocadoconference.co.nz
• Investing in 'Avocado Heaven'
at Tapora
• Avogreen compliance for
global supply
• Commodity levy -
grower feedback
Avoscene May 2018 l 1
Start with AVOCO and build
a top score from there.
Join us in 2018 and discover how AVOCO’s strategic game plan connects you to the best customers
in Australia and Asia, delivering you more consistent OGRs, year in and year out.
avoco.co.nz
2 l Avoscene May 2018
AV0618
Contents
NZ Avocado
Comment Markets Reports
PO Box 13267
Tauranga 3141
New Zealand
Level 5, Harrington House
View from Going global 11 Avocentric –
32 Harington Street
Tauranga 3110 the Chair 4 New Zealand Investing in
Ph: 07 571 6147 or
0800 AVOCADO Growing market comment 12 'Avocado Heaven'
(0800 286 2236)
the business 5 at Tapora 16
www.nzavocado.co.nz New Zealand
Regional market promotions 14 Maturity and
NZ Avocado
roundup 7 residue sampling
@NZ_Avocado - health and safety
Outside the box 9
NZ Avocado
requirements on
your orchard 19
@nz_avocado
Avogreen compliance
On the Orchard Newsroom
for global supply 21
NZAGA Grower Reps
& AIC Directors
Building employee
At Large Food safety 34 Industry news 46 engagement is good
Tony Ponder
NZAGA & AIC Chair Reminders at this Recommended for your business 22
Ph 07 552 4223
m. 0274 733 712 time of the year 35 reading 47 Commodity levy -
tony@flaxmillavocado.co.nz
Nutrition 36 New Zealand Avocado grower feedback 24
Linda Flegg
NZAGA Vice Chair
Mating disruption - International Industry NZ Avocado new
Ph 07 549 1047
m. 021 458 782
a step closer to Conference 2018 49 grower event 27
linda@kauripak.co.nz
Bay of Plenty/Rest of New Zealand
leafroller shutdown 39 Avocado news from Autumn field days 29
Dave Flett
Bee industry update 42 the world 54
m. 027 555 4420 Beware the avocado
dave.flett@yahoo.co.nz
Top tips for having elephant 31
John Cotterell
Ph 07 549 3395
m. 0274 513 138
a bee friendly Nourish
jccotterell@actrix.gen.nz environment 43
Maria Watchorn
m. 027 548 2992 Crop estimation 44 Recipe 56
andaria@xtra.co.nz
Mid North
Roger Barber
Ph 09 435 0785 Out and About
m. 021 488 124
barbers@ihug.co.nz
John Dawson Team activity 57
Ph 021 724 900
jd@team.org.nz
Out & about 58
Far North
Alistair Nicholson
Ph 021 946 391 NZ Avocado staff
anicholson@vulposinvest.com
Export Directors Jen Scoular, CEO Glenys Parton, Industry Systems Manager Bevan Jelley, Market Manager
Alistair Petrie (Independent Chair) jen.scoular@nzavocado.co.nz | 021 741 014 glenys.parton@nzavocado.co.nz | 0274 99 70 81 bevan.jelley@nzavocado.co.nz | 021 994 097
Annmarie Lee
Alistair Young Edwina Aitchison, Executive Assistant Sarah Sorensen, Project Manager Melissa Conrad, Communications Manager
edwina.aitchison@nzavocado.co.nz | 021 977 890 sarah.sorensen@nzavocado.co.nz melissa.conrad@nzavocado.co.nz
Avoscene advertising & editorial
Brad Siebert Phillip West, Research Manager Joanne Nunn, Administration Assistant
For editorial contact:
Biosecurity & Programme Manager phillip.west@nzavocado.co.nz | 021 706 504 jo.nunn@nzavocado.co.nz
Sun Media Ltd
No.1 The Strand, Tauranga brad.siebert@nzavocado.co.nz | 021 804 847
Ph: 07 578 0030 Fax: 07 571 1116 Logan Whenuaroa, Research Associate Melissa van den Heuvel, Graduate
email kym@thesun.co.nz Jay Bent, Business Manager logan.whenuaroa@nzavocado.co.nz melissa@nzavocado.co.nz
jay.bent@nzavocado.co.nz | 027 465 8886 027 373 9859
For advertising contact: Anna Livingston, Market Manager
Sharon Eyres at Sun Media Ltd
anna.livingston@nzavocado.co.nz
Phone 027 275 2527
email sharon@thesun.co.nz
Design and production:
Kym Johnson, Sun Media Ltd
email kym@thesun.co.nz NZ Avocado has made every attempt to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information provided in this publication. However, the information is provided "as is"
without warranty of any kind. New Zealand Avocado does not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, completeness, legality, or reliability of the
information contained in this publication or documents or other websites linked to. New Zealand Avocado assumes no responsibility for the consequences of use of such
For subscriptions contact: information. Your use of information contained in this publication and documents or other websites linked to is at your own risk, and you should seek further advice prior
Jay Bent to making decisions based on the information contained herein.
email jay.bent@nzavocado.co.nz
Avoscene May 2018 l 3
View from the Chair
Comment
Tony Ponder, Chair, NZAGA & AIC tony@flaxmillavocado.co.nz
The general feeling from the commodity levy discussions thus far have
been very insightful. Growers understand the significance of the commodity
levy to the industry and it appears you have a greater appreciation of
what the levy delivers.
As a board we aim to ensure the annual plan and
deliverables are transparent and focus on a value
proposition for growers which is clear and measurable.
We talk a lot about opportunities and the positive
outcomes within our industry but we need to be willing
to also talk through the challenges. These were outlined
in the situational analysis and discussed at the forums but
the reality is we need to find solutions to these challenges.
In this context, hearing your collective view is important
as we develop the policy that will mitigate risk and lay the
platform for continued future prosperity.
While we might have some key messages we want
growers to hear, we need to accept there will be concerns
and challenges raised by growers which need to be
considered. We need to be accepting of constructive
feedback that comes back from these forums and do as
much listening as we do talking to ensure we continue the
growth and success we have seen over the past few years in
the industry – after all, that’s where the value is.
As Chair, I am keen to encourage as much opportunity
as possible for the board to have discussions with growers for both his and his wife Cindy’s openness to the industry
about what’s topical and important to them. during his term, as well as their support toward R&D and
field trial projects. We hope that his commitment to the
This brings me to the board and the upcoming positions
industry will continue well past his term.
which are up for nomination. It’s extremely important that
we identify within our own, the potential candidates for Dave Flett’s current term is also coming to an end.
these positions to assist with the strategic discussion, our Dave has offered himself for re-election. Below are the
direction and the welfare of the industry. We are pleased to nominations to be considered for both positions:
see the number of people who have offered themselves to - Keith Appleton
service the industry this year in a governance role. - Daniel Birnie
- Dave Flett
- Richard Spearman
A reminder that the final levy proposal is out now
as outlined on page 24 and voting information
The ballot for both BOP/Rest of New Zealand NZAGA
will be sent to all growers in September. We seek rep positions are now open and will close on August 3. We
industry support for the commodity levy and ask encourage you to take the opportunity to engage with the
that you each take a moment to vote. nominees above in the lead up to voting.
A reminder too that the final levy proposal is out now
Come August, John Cotterell will stand down, having as outlined on page 24 and voting information will be sent
first being elected in 2011 as a BOP/rest of New Zealand to all growers in September. We seek industry support for
NZAGA rep. John has made a significant contribution to the commodity levy and ask that you each take a moment
the governance of the industry and he will be remembered to vote.
4 l Avoscene May 2018
Growing the business
Comment
Jen Scoular, CEO, New Zealand Avocado jen.scoular@nzavocado.co.nz
The line-up for our upcoming
conference is looking very exciting
and tickets are on sale now
through the conference website
www.avocadoconference.co.nz
Information about the event and the speaker line-up
is available later in this Avoscene. I’m very happy to have
locked in Mike McRoberts as the MC and speaker at the gala
dinner. We are anticipating a great event, I hope you will be
part of that.
Phillip West, Research Manager of NZ Avocado, has
just returned from the international avocado scientist
“brainstorm”, an invitation-only event held every four years via an electronic vote in September/October.
for the exchange, confidentially, of scientific information We did ask growers about what they are doing on orchard
and knowledge. I love Phillip’s story on page 31 warning us to improve their quality, following the real issues we have
to “beware of the avocado elephant”. It reminds me of the seen with the development of rots in market. Rots don’t
two arduous years we took to get the business case for the develop unless they were there to start with, so on-orchard
Primary Growth Partnership across the line. Ashby would we really need to raise our game. It was good to hear
say to me when I got despondent, “you only eat an elephant growers recognise the need to implement best practice; that
one bite at a time”. although copper wasn’t the perfect solution, it’s the best we
Which segues nicely into the topic of potential future have so far. Sarah Sorenson, Project Manager of NZ Avocado,
funding. PGP finishes in June 2019 and MBIE in September led a workshop on fruit quality across the value chain in
this year.We are talking widely about what the next step is. June, seeking cross-industry solutions to this challenging
The new government did a review of PGP, during which we issue. As Alistair Petrie asks, “If we keep doing the same we’ll
were not able to request future programmes, but it looks keep getting the same answer”. He asks us all, what are you
like PGP will continue. So we are talking to the independent doing differently to change the outcome?
panel in August about options to either extend the current The quality issue also highlighted to us that as well as
programme or develop a new business case.We should also understanding the supply chain and cool chain better, we
look at whether we can get industry support through the need to understand our environmental footprint. It was very
Provincial Growth Fund, although there are already 170 interesting to meet up recently in Tapora and in Houhora
applications, many who are yet to be accepted. with three of our new growers, each developing what are
on New Zealand standards, huge new avocado orchards. We
The quality issue also highlighted to us profile one of these growers, Tony Gibbs, in the Avocentric
that as well as understanding the supply this month. These growers are each looking at innovative
chain and cool chain better, we need to ways to improve their footprint, although the environmental
understand our environmental footprint. story about converting a dairy or dry stock farm to avocados
is a pretty good starting point – one we should document
In the meantime we need to secure the commodity levy properly and ensure we have good research supporting.
for the next 6 years. It was great to see 280 of you at the It’s about being globally competitive but environmentally
recent discussion groups and field days. Bevan did record the friendly or maybe to compete in the world but not with
feedback from you and that forms part of our application. the world. We are keen to hear from you if you are doing
You’ll find that on the commodity levy page of the industry innovative things on your orchard to improve your own
website. We will be seeking your support to renew the levy environmental story.
Avoscene May 2018 l 5
Comment
SOLD
Hydrangea Production
Armstrong Rd, Tauranga
bayleys.co.nz/2304004
6 l Avoscene May 2018
Regional roundup
Comment
Roger Barber & John Dawson – Mid-North region
Roger Barber: tudorwoodnz@gmail.com John Dawson: jd@team.org.nz
Roger Barber John Dawson
There was a marked end to the season in the mid North
when winter temperatures struck with a vengeance in late
May. We can now reflect on the growing conditions during
the season, but more importantly focus on the season
ahead.
The crop on most avocado orchards last season was light.
This should signal a good accumulation of carbohydrate
leading to a heavy return crop. Unfortunately periods
of heavy rain during flowering have restricted fruit
set, so generally only a moderate crop at best can be
expected across the district. Further periods of heavy
rain in early and late January and throughout February
frustrated harvesting and saw an early end to the irrigation
programme. These wet summer conditions provided a
high potential for fruit rots at harvest. On a brighter note,
better conditions were experienced over autumn, which
allowed for strong canopy development and good fruit following soil testing, especially with the application of
sizing. nitrogen, phosphorus and sulphur. Also the pH level can
Better autumn conditions also benefited new orchard be recalibrated by liming to target the ideal range of 6.3 to
development and the replanting of older orchards. It is 6.5 prior to planting.
pleasing to note that nurseries have finally caught up with Avocados have a primitive root system, and unlike most
the back-log of orders so that young trees, especially on fruit trees, have no root hairs. This means a mycorrhorizal
clonal rootstocks, should be more readily available to association with the roots is important to help break down
the industry. The high interest in new plantings shows nutrients in the soil and facilitate uptake by the trees. High
widespread confidence in the future of the avocado organic matter in the soil is the best way to achieve this.
industry. The other important component in new tree establishment
The replanting of older blocks of trees generally follows is a regular application of foliar applied nutrients,
problems of tree health – a legacy of the three wet especially during winter when root activity is low.
years which followed the intense storm experienced in The current high interest in avocados is evident by
spring 2007. The trend has been to mulch existing trees the good turn-outs being recorded at recent field days.
to improve the organic component of our heavier soils. A successful NZ Avocado field day was held at Rick and
It follows a “back to basics” theme which attempts to Vanessa Barker’s orchard at Maungatapere, Whangarei in
recreate the original conditions of the natural rainforest early May. This covered a range of management topics, and
environment. The establishment of this organic layer the opportunity to view the performance of a number of
beneath the trees gives a high natural suppression of new cultivars and clonal rootstocks, as well as an update on
phytophthora root rot and encourages active root the pheromone mating disruption research for the control
development. of leaf roller in avocado orchards. The net effect is that the
Pre-planting treatment allows the opportunity to males get confused by the synthetic pheromone. As if us
bring the orchard back into a good nutritional balance males weren’t confused enough already!
Avoscene May 2018 l 7
Regional roundup
Comment
Linda Flegg – At Large
linda@kauripak.co.nz
Linda Flegg
The temperature is steadily dropping and by the time your hands up for the 2019-20 season. We cannot rely
we go to print we will be well into the depths of winter. on the stability of the Australian market, particularly with
The persistence of pests has been, up until late May, other countries seeking access to send their fruit
very strong with many monitoring reports still showing to Aussie.
high levels of thrips and six spotted mites. If you still During the last couple of months I have been involved
have thrips, it would be wise to stick to a fourteen day in the review of the NZ Avocado Governance Policy.
monitoring schedule until they are under control again. This process has highlighted just how complex and
We keep hearing the term “all market access” which unique our business model is. This policy sets out the
requires a lot of thought when it comes to chemical roles of the board members, ethics, conflicts, evaluation
choice in relation to withholding periods for our and procedures. It also clearly defines the relationship
various markets. All market access is going to become between the board and the members of the organisation,
the benchmark we strive towards and the compliance along with our stakeholders. This assessment has
standards we are adopting for China will become the highlighted a need to review all of the NZ Avocado
norm for all markets. policies on an annual basis to ensure we are current,
relevant and moving with the times.
The industry needs growers to be In June I will be attending a Fruit Quality discussion
“Champions for China” and although the group with other industry stakeholders who are
selection process for this season has already committed to solving our off-shore fruit quality issues.
been completed, please put your hands up for The aim of this meeting is to:
the 2019-20 season.
• Gain agreement and prioritise fruit quality projects.
• Discuss funding proposals (industry, exporter and
There seems to be a misconception that the grower external funding options).
requirements for supplying fruit to China are more • Establish members of the fruit quality working group.
onerous than supplying other markets. If you are meeting
the requirements of the AvoGreen programme then There is no simple fix and every part of the supply chain
the only additional job other than registering annually needs to commit to solving the problems we are facing.
is to ensure your packhouse receives your monitoring Out in the field the early indications are that the crop
results every month. The industry needs growers to be is sizing well but the winds during April and May has had
“Champions for China” and although the selection process an effect on both the estimates due to fruit loss and the
for this season has already been completed, please put increased blemish levels.
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8 l Avoscene May 2018
Outside the box
Comment
Kate Truffit, Apata
Value chain is a term used frequently
these days – defined as the process
or activities by which a company adds
value to an article, including production,
marketing and the provision of after-
sales service that can be used to create a
competitive advantage.
This differs from a supply chain, which is defined as a
system of organisations, people, activities, information and
resources involved in moving a product or service from
supplier to customer.
I believe we are part of a value chain.
Our biggest market, Australia, is under threat with other
countries now likely to be able to sell their avocados there -
possibly cheaper in larger volumes. To be competitive,
we need to set ourselves apart.
While using our current system there are plenty of
If we look at ourselves in the wider context of where we additional requirements that are needed to comply with
fit in the value chain, post-harvest’s value chain starts with this programme. First up, the control of growers’ pest
the growers growing exceptional fruit all the while dealing monitoring and spray programmes. Secondly, the high-
with irregular bearing, climate change, and additional pressure water washers set to remove any unwanted pests.
compliance requirements as market expectations rise. By Additionally quality checks have been added to validate
managing the initial value chain factors, including logistics, the first 2 steps. Where is the value add in all of this? It is
production, and outbound logistics, post-harvest can market access to the largest market in the world.
maximise the value for customers and growers.
Is this enough to define NZ fruit?
The export, sales and service elements of the value
Avocados are gaining status around the
chain are especially important to improving customer
world as the darling of the produce category;
relationships. They look after the logistics to market,
Gen Y and millennials can’t get enough of
phytosanitary certification, customs clearance, shipping
them, and cafés are smashing them, mixing
documentation, import customs and inspections, devanning,
them with feta, and then reaping huge
market allocation and QC checks. On top of this is the
margins. Herein lies a great opportunity.
customer relationship management, flow of fruit into the
wholesale and retail markets and any quality issues.
Getting fruit to market takes jumping through many Avocados are gaining status around the world as the
hoops, including meeting food safety requirements, darling of the produce category; Gen Y and millennials can’t
phytosanitary, quality grades and labelling requirements for get enough of them, and cafés are smashing them, mixing
the country of destination. We also need to comply with them with feta, and then reaping huge margins. Herein lies
extra requirements if necessary, being audited by external a great opportunity.
agencies and any other export requirements set by the To add value to our value chain, we must objectively and
industry sector. How can we use these to gain value? constantly review our businesses, our competitors, and our
We have had a taste of what an Official Assurance respective places in the industry so we can diagnose and
Programme (OAP) means for our industry with the one create competitive advantages in this world marketplace.
that has been introduced to enable export into China. This is our perpetual challenge.
Avoscene May 2018 l 9
Markets
Hi neighbour
AVOCO B
I’ve seen you working hard in your orchard – it’s looking great. You’ll want your efforts to pay off next season so
I need to let you know about AVOCO.
It’s the export marketing company that more than 800 growers supplied in the 2017-18 season. Before the next
harvest, they’d love for you to join them too.
AVOCO is grower-led so they understand what’s important to you and me who want the security of knowing
their fruit is in the most capable of hands. Over the past five years, the team has worked hard to build trusted market
relationships in Australia and in Asia where consumers can’t get enough of our premium New Zealand avocados.
In fact, almost two-thirds of fruit goes direct to Australian retail, from which we benefit in the way of outstanding
Orchard Gate Returns.
AVOCO’s ability to manage the supply and maximise market opportunities is second-to-none so we can rest
easy knowing we’ll always be well rewarded each and every season, big crop or small.
As growers, we all need support and advice every now and again. AVOCO’s experienced technical team is
always there to answer all of our questions to help us make decisions that see the orchard performs at its best.
This knowledge ensured AVOCO growers overcame big technical challenges affecting the industry last season.
When the going gets tough, it’s reassuring to know AVOCO will always work hard on your behalf to achieve success.
I know trust and loyalty isn’t given lightly, but with AVOCO’s grower-led ethos, consistency, technical excellence
and expertise in international marketing, it makes sense to be part of the movement committed to growing the
industry and its value.
AVOCO – they’ll get your tail wagging too!
www.avoco.co.nz
10 l Avoscene May 2018Going global
Alastair Petrie, AVEC Chair al.petrie66@gmail.com
The 2017-18 season is one to
celebrate from the perspective
of individual growers, exporter
performance, other stakeholders
Markets
in the supply chain, and indeed the
industry body.
Excellent grower returns have been finalised, new markets is that quarantine pests are on our product, getting through
opened, options for the new export channels are being post-harvest and arriving off-shore. Increased costs at the
explored and forward projections are sound. border, fumigation and delays in the marketing programme
You could be forgiven for thinking if we just do the same all result in unnecessary costs but more importantly, a
thing we will get the same result. It will be extremely negative impact on quality. What have you done differently
difficult to repeat. Price in international markets are largely over the off-season to mitigate the incidence of pests on
driven by pure supply/demand metrics and we have been orchard?
very fortunate to be riding on the back of a demand curve Another significant issue exporters had was the inability to
which is outstripping the ability for NZ, Chile, Australia, deliver to customers what was wanted due to the inaccuracy
Mexico, Peru and California to fulfil. I can’t tell you when on crop forecasting. Plans are put together based on best
that curve will even out and truly competitive forces kick in, guess information at the beginning of the season and then
but it will come. updated progressively. June last year the export forecast
While we are waiting for this to arrive, it is imperative was 2.8m tonnes equivalent however the progressive
we invest in the areas which are easily disguised by the high updates changed little until near the end of the season
prices that have been achieved. The industry has still got when the actual number was 2.25m. This is over 20% less
issues with rots which will not only significantly reduce than original forecast, or 535,000 trays. On a small crop
OGRs in a full year but harm the NZ Inc. reputation year this is significant and if we repeat the same level of
comparative to competitors’ product. Listen to the inaccuracy, customer confidence in our ability to deliver will
research NZ Avocado is doing and the work your exporters be compromised. If your year-end numbers were somewhat
are undertaking to get on top of this issue. We need to different than your initial forecast, I am sure you have asked
continually raise the bar in terms of quality, across the the question “why?”. I’d also ask are you working with your
complete supply chain from growers following copper spray packhouse and exporter of choice to look at a different
regimes, to packers’ handling, and focus on grade standards, approach this year.
water blasters, pre-cooling, load out temps and all the other NZ is not alone in trying to broaden our export in the
little things that are done well that all contribute to better wider Asian market and it is imperative growers remain
outturns. market compliant so exporters have the options to extract
best value for the complete crop profile and have flexibility.
NZ is not alone in trying to broaden our export The new season will be a month in by the time this is read.
in the wider Asian market and it is imperative As a consumer, please do not market fruit which is marginal.
growers remain market compliant so exporters
Chasing the high dollar is understandable, but do not
have the options to extract best value for the
underestimate the power of the consumer when they have a
complete crop profile and have flexibility.
disappointing experience.
In saying all this, the industry is in good shape and if we
The gradual loss of the Offshore Pre-clearance keep focused on the items I have mentioned, and the many
Programme (OPI), the new reality of Container Border other small things that make a difference that ultimately
Inspection Service (CBIS inspections) and treatments being results in continuous improvement, then I am sure we will
off-shore, is proving to be frustrating. However the reality be able to celebrate many more seasons to come.
Avoscene May 2018 l 11New Zealand marketer comment
Trish Lomas, Product Specialist, T&G Global Limited
The New Zealand market is now
coming out of the off-season
low supply period, perhaps a
little earlier than expected due to
advanced maturities in some early
Markets
orchards.
Values delivered throughout the late season period
were exceptional and will have contributed to the record
total New Zealand market value for the 2017-18 season,
which has recently been reported by NZ Avocado at $45
million. This is a 12% increase in total value growth for
the market on the previous season from only 60% of
the volume, which equates to great per-tray returns for
growers that were able to supply fruit.
As we make our way through the early season supply
period, it is important to be conscious of the New
Zealand market maturity requirements and the reasons
behind them. Minimum maturity requirements have
been set to ensure consumers have a positive eating
experience that stimulates regular repeat purchasing of
avocados. It is in all growers’ and marketers’ interests
to ensure the consumer is happy with their purchase
decision, and the stakes are raised higher with the higher
retail pricing the market sees during the early season
period.
New Zealand market maturity testing has evolved in
12 l Avoscene May 2018recent seasons, with the number of fruit sampled
increasing to 20 per maturity clearance area in Maturity reporting outcomes
2016 and a minimum requirement of 18 of 20 Export market pass
fruit sampled being above 20.8% introduced in • At least 18 out of the 20 fruit sampled achieve 20.8% dry matter, and
2017. Positive differences in ripening and fruit the average dry matter content across the 20 fruit is at least 24%.
quality were experienced last season as a result of Export market marginal fail
• Average dry matter exceeds 23.8% DM (provided 18 out of 20 fruit
these changes, and supply into the market grew
Markets
exceed 20.8% DM) OR
steadily rather than one swift deluge hitting the
• 17 out 20 exceed 20.8% DM (provided average dry matter exceeds
market and forcing rapid downward pressure on
24%DM).
pricing. • A marginal failure will be issued with an automatic clearance sent out
Discussion has taken place recently around seven days after the original notification of the test result.
marginal failure criteria for NZ market early Local market pass
season maturity testing. On 31 May, the decision • At least 18 out of the 20 fruit sampled achieve 20.8% dry matter, and
was made by NZ Avocado to implement local the average dry matter content across the 20 fruit is at least 23%.
market marginal fail criteria for early season Local market marginal fail
maturity testing for 2018. The criteria for a local • Average dry matter exceeds 22.8% DM (provided 18 out of 20 fruit
market marginal fail along with all other maturity exceed 20.8% DM) OR
reporting outcomes is outlined below. • 17 out 20 exceed 20.8% DM (provided average dry matter exceeds
The forecast for the New Zealand market 23%DM).
in 2018-19 is 1.5 million tray equivalents, a • A marginal failure will be issued with an automatic clearance sent out
seven days after the original notification of the test result.
very manageable increase in volume on the
Fail
previous season and a long way off the 2.2
• None of the criteria above are met.
million trays the market consumed in 2016-17.
NZ Avocado payment
With continued discussion at the New Zealand NZ Avocado will pay for the costs of Eurofins maturity collection and
Market Group to optimise visibility for avocados testing for all tests other than fail results up until 31 July 2018.
through promotions and quality of avocados to From 1 August 2018 onwards, NZ Avocado will only pay for the costs
consumers, solid returns for avocados sold in the of Eurofins collection and testing for tests that achieve an Export market
New Zealand market should be on the cards again pass or an Export market marginal fail.
for the coming season.
Avoscene May 2018 l 13New Zealand market promotions
Bevan Jelley, Market Manager, NZ Avocado bevan.jelley@nzavocado.co.nz
The New Zealand domestic market
has achieved a record total value
of $45m at first point of sale for the
2017-18 season.
This result puts it on track to deliver the $75m New
Markets
Zealand market goal of the industry five year plan by 2023.
A range of factors have contributed to the rapid value
growth of the New Zealand market in recent seasons, and
the efforts of NZ market suppliers, local retailers and the
NZ market group facilitated by NZ Avocado are rewarding
growers with growing returns.
July is traditionally a period of short supply in the New
Zealand market and throughout the shoulder season in 2018,
retail pricing of avocados has reached record highs. While
this means exceptional returns for the very small number of
growers who are able to supply the market at the extreme
ends of the season, it can also result in pricing confusion Grower story videos have been used throughout the shoulder supply season to educate
consumers on seasonality and supply
and concern for avocado consumers in New Zealand, who
wonder if they will ever be able to afford an avocado again. • Avocados are grown in a tree, not a factory. Mother
NZ Avocado has undertaken targeted activity during Nature plays a part in the size of the crop from year to
this period to help manage consumer expectations around year.
avocado pricing through education about avocado seasonality A desire for more natural unprocessed food, eating food
and supply. that is in season, and understanding where food comes from
are three factors that are of growing importance to our
target consumer groups in New Zealand and communicating
these three key messages above resonates well with them.
We reposted the video on the NZ Avocado Facebook page in
May 2018 and it has had 1,800 views.
Grower stories
Throughout the off-season our social media promotion has
switched focus from a recipes and consumption to grower
stories and information about avocado seasonality. Posts
remind consumers that we are currently in the off-season
Avocado supply education video for New Zealand avocados, but that their avocados for next
season are already growing on the tree and being carefully
Video: “Where have all the avocados gone?” nurtured by New Zealand avocado growers until they are
In 2017 NZ Avocado created a video to explain the ready to be harvested.
shortages in winter avocado supply to New Zealand Our Facebook competition for Mothers’ Day featured
consumers, media and retail produce staff. The video focuses hardworking avocado grower and mum, Sarah Sorenson.
on three factors that impact avocado supply in New Zealand: It asked our followers to tell us why avocados are good
• All avocados sold in New Zealand are grown in New for your skin and to name a deserving mum for a prize
Zealand. of an avocado themed skin care and beauty pack. The
• Avocados do have a season; the main harvest takes place competition was well received, with 96 comments from
during the New Zealand summer. fans showing that our followers have a good understanding
14 l Avoscene May 2018of the skin health benefits of avocados, and
really love their mums!
Media engagement
A significant avocado story that achieved
widespread publicity in May focussed on a
post from The Hits radio station Facebook
page, which compared the price of avocados
at a New World store in New Zealand to an
image of avocados labelled as “product of
New Zealand” being sold in an Australian
supermarket for $1.50 each. The avocados
in Australia were in fact labelled incorrectly
and were of Australian origin. With the
Queensland region harvesting peak volumes A post on The Hits radio station's Facebook page spiked media interest in avocado pricing
in May, supply is plentiful in Australia hence
the significantly lower retail price point. Our objective is to share with The sharing of that story needs
New Zealand avocado responded to the the world the authentic, amazing media seeking reality, seeking the
Facebook post and offered the facts to stories about New Zealand truth and leaving un-researched
various media outlets that further promoted growers producing the best, high sensationalism out of the stories.
the story. quality, safe food for the world.
an
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Avoscene May 2018 l 15Avocentric - Investing in
‘Avocado Heaven’ at Tapora
Merle Foster, Journalist
Reports
With record returns and demand “On the first block of 70 hectares I’m growing 50 canopy
hectares – and I’ve got 24,000 avocado trees already in the
for avocados continuing to grow ground,” says Tony.
in all export markets, the focus in On a new block of 130ha he has 15,000 trees planted and
New Zealand is now on increasing another 10,000-15000 will go in this spring.
productivity of existing orchards “This block will give me 70 canopy hectares. The total
and supporting new orchard farm will be 120 canopy hectares, set in 200 hectares – so
development. it’s a reasonably big tract of land,” says Tony.
He’s about to harvest his first crop from Avocado Heaven
Current growers are rejuvenating orchards and this week. “The fruit is looking great.”
investing in implementing best practice orchard This year he hopes to produce 5000-10,000 trays of
management to reap higher values on offer, while new avocados. The ultimate harvest goal, once the whole
orchardists are entering the industry. orchard is in full production a few years from now, is
Both developments will help the industry reach its 300,000-400,000 trays. “Fingers crossed,” says Tony, who
goal of $280m in total sales value by 2023 – and bridge has had an interesting career to say the least.
the gap between avocado supply and demand in NZ and “I left school at 15 and worked my passage to Europe as
globally. a galley boy on a meat boat.Years later I ended up on the
One man investing heavily in the industry is Tony board of a shipping company.”
Gibbs, who is well-known for his 40-year corporate From here he entered the corporate world. Meeting Sir
career but also as NZ’s major Ezypeel mandarin grower. Ron Brierley in the 1980s Tony worked for his investment
Five years ago Tony, who lives on his mandarin orchard vehicle, Brierley Investments; during the 1990s he worked
at Matakana, decided to find some land to grow avocados all over the globe for Sir Ron’s Guinness Peat Group.
and has since bought two properties on the Tapora He’s been a director of GPG, chairman of Turners &
peninsula, about 30 minutes west of Wellsford, and Growers for 15 years; and either director or chairman of
created an orchard he’s named ‘Avocado Heaven’. Staveley, Tenon, Enza, Rubicon, Turners Auctions, Ezypeel
16 l Avoscene May 2018Mandarins, Tower and Coats, involving himself with more
than 40 companies worldwide.
As a “young man”, just before he became T&G chairman,
Tony bought land for an orchard for his retirement. “We
grow Ezypeel mandarins and today we’re the biggest
contiguous mandarin orchard in the country,” says the
70-year-old.
So why invest in avocados? “I think I was intrigued by
the fact avocado consumption is increasing year-on-year by
about 10 per cent. And also about the way avocados have
been taken up in the world as a new superfood.”
Tony says Tapora has been built up by sand over hundreds
of thousands of years.
“You’ve got this sandy spit with solid sand underneath –
Reports
and over millenniums soil arrived and blew into nooks and
crannies around Tapora.
“For avocados you need free-draining land. So that
immediately intrigued me – the fact I could buy a small
farm there and drive over it in the pouring rain and not see
any wheel-marks.” Orchard supervisors, Raymond and Jane were part of the staff who got to pick their
first harvest from Avocado Heaven in June.
On his new orchard the first thing Tony has learned is
that avocados are not easy grow. Tony says an avocado tree Tony says hopefully Australia, NZ’s biggest avocado
is a complex tree. export market, will remain, as long as we produce quality.
“It doesn’t even know which sex it is. It’s male one And he believes growers can manage the complexities of
minute and female the next. They don’t like water, yet they the tree.
drink a lot.
“There’s a lot of first rate horticultural knowledge in
Tony says hopefully Australia, NZ’s biggest New Zealand. However there is work to be done and a lot
avocado export market, will remain, as long as of learning to be had.”
we produce quality. And he believes growers The biggest threat to NZ avocados is Chile, says Tony.
can manage the complexities of the tree. “They’re in the same geographic area as us and they
have very cheap labour. New Zealand does not have cheap
“I’m used to growing citrus, which are much more easily labour. Our costs of growing the same produce will always
understood than avocados. There’s a lot to learn and we are be more expensive.
learning all the time. “Yes, they’ve got the tyranny of distance to get their
“I’m very fortunate in having a great team of young men produce here, but so have we.”
and women at Tapora and excellent professional advice. But he’s not deterred by this – or by entering a fruit
Nevertheless, in my view they can be difficult trees,” says crop market he knew nothing about to start with. “I didn’t
Tony. know much about citrus either.You soon learn as you move
“They’re more expensive to grow and long-term there along.”
will be a lot of issues with avocados – particularly as more Going forward, Tony believes the shortage of labour
free trade develops between New Zealand and the rest of available may be a big issue for avocados – and everybody
the world. that grows anything.
“Remember, low cost economies can also send fruit here “There’s the Recognised Seasonal Employers Scheme and
to New Zealand.” also backpackers, which we rely on a lot for mandarins.
Avoscene May 2018 l 17I want the Government to keep encouraging these
backpackers to come to New Zealand, where they can work
and play.”
Being a businessman, he sees big opportunities in the
avocado industry, in particular new markets emerging and
bringing demand with them.
“I see a market in South-East Asia developing strongly.
Asians are starting to get a taste for them – and it will
increase.”
One sign of this is the first shipment of NZ avocados being
exported to China last season.
“And the likes of Taiwan, Korea, Thailand – those sort of
places – will all come on-stream in due course.”
Tony says avocados are considered a nutritionally-
Reports
bountiful superfood.
“The nutritionists all fall over them. There are very few
real superfoods in the world. I’d name avocados as one. So
there’s lots of potential for New Zealand to do very well Tony Gibbs and Lee, Orchard Manager, on the day of the orchards first harvest
in avocados.” in June.
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18 l Avoscene May 2018Maturity and residue sampling - health
and safety requirements on your orchard
By Glenys Parton, Industry Systems, NZ Avocado
No ifs or buts – health and safety is must consider systems, processes and technologies that will
safeguard E-BOP employees as far as reasonably practicable.
the responsibility of us all. Eurofins BOP has undergone a review of its H&S systems
and processes with a focus on activities carried out on
As the season approaches there may be many contractors avocado orchards.
required to come on to your orchard to carry out a variety
To meet their responsibilities as a PCBU, Eurofins BOP
of tasks. If you are the person conducting a business or
will require several additional pieces of information from
undertaking on your orchard (PCBU) you are responsible
growers/packhouses prior to sample collection as follows:
for ensuring hazards are identified and the risks are
evaluated, managed, monitored and controlled so the 1. Any requirements of staff when entering the orchard e.g.
staff induction, hazard board review, and sign in books.
Reports
property is in a safe state for contractors to complete the
required activities. Health and safety is a partnership. 2. A packhouse and grower contact name and mobile phone
number for every PPIN.
All contracting businesses where staff are required to
enter your property have a duty of care to their employees 3. All significant hazards and their controls in electronic list
to keep them safe as outlined in the Health and Safety at form for every PPIN.
Work Act 2015 and associated regulations. 4. Any additional risks at sample request – Eurofins BOP
will send a text message to the primary contact listed
the day prior to sampling, indicating the date sampling
will occur and asking for any additional risks to be
communicated to Eurofins BOP. Please consider and
communicate any additional safety information that may
affect the sampler on the day of sample collection.
Samplers are also trained to assess risk whilst carrying out
their work on orchard, acknowledging that orchards are
dynamic work environments and a shared workspace with
multiple contractors.
Eurofins BOP samplers are equipped with lone worker
technology or alternatively they will work under a
secondary safe work system.
Samplers must wear high-vis vests, carry a working cell
phone, a charging backup facility, flagging tape to mark any
on-orchard hazards, a loner device (if issued) and a first aid
kit in their vehicles when conducting sampling activities.
Diagram to establish if you are a PCBU. Eurofins BOP expect orchards to be in a safe condition for
staff to carry out sampling activities. The company will be
Eurofins BOP is the business contracted by NZ Avocado operating a stop sampling process when circumstances are
to undertake independent collection of samples for both encountered that affect their staff’s ability to sample safely. A
maturity and residue testing. As a PCBU, Eurofins BOP have link to this document will be available online and on request
a responsibility to identify hazards and assess risks within Eurofins BOP. A summary of the key areas of the document
the workplace of their staff. In addition, Eurofins BOP is as follows overleaf:
Avoscene May 2018 l 19Stop sampling process
Hazards Stop sampling scenarios Reason
Tree prunings Un-cleared tree prunings that impede Prunings around the trees restrict
access to and around trees visibility of the terrain beneath,
which may put the sampler at risk
of injury
Long grass and holes Sward is over 30cm in length in the areas Long grass restricts the visibility of
where the sample is required (including the terrain in front of the sampler
access/headlands) i.e. slopes, holes, debris, fallen
Access routes with large, deep or structures.
multiple holes in blocks where sampling Holes on orchards increase the risk
is required. of injury from slips, trips and falls.
Reports
Spraying Spray has recently been applied and Each sampler and workers in the
contact re-entry period has not been Eurofins BOP supply chain e.g. lab
met. staff must be protected from contact
Spray drift from a neighbouring of any agrichemicals used on an
property. orchard.
Spraying starts or already underway on Notification of when the last spray
property or neighbouring property was applied is essential.
The spray board is to be completed
correctly and in place outside the
orchard 24 hours prior to spraying
and for the duration of the re-entry
period.
Avoid sample requests when spraying
is occurring in or near blocks to be
sampled
Hydraladas at work No samplers are allowed to use Hydralada activity conflicts with
hydraladas and will not sample in sampling activities.
sampling areas where hydraladas are
being used.
Track maintenance Unable to access maturity areas safely Access ways including tracks must
and access with standard sedan car due to holes, be fit-for-purpose
waterlogging.
Aggressive/violent No sampler is to be subjected to Samplers are required to work to
abusive, coercive, threatening or a standard procedure for sampling
intimidating behaviour. and are trained accordingly.
Note: In all circumstances where the sampler visits the orchard and a sample is unable to be taken as a result of to health and safety reasons, a sample collection fee will apply.
20 l Avoscene May 2018AvoGreen compliance for global supply
Sandy and Franz Imlig, Growers
Reports
Sandy and Franz Imlig
At the end of 2017 we put our hand the pre-audit checks it was identified that we had a few
gaps in our record keeping that needed tidying up. Our
up to undertake an audit to gain
documentation was mostly complete but needed collating
compliance to be able to send fruit into a single place that was easy to access and refer to,
to China. and we had to make sure all the “i’s” were dotted and “t’s”
crossed.
When we were first asked to do this, we were nervous We are pleased to have had the opportunity to be
of the responsibility we would be carrying within the involved in the audit process and are now confident the
industry to be compliant. We sat down with the Official systems we have in place are robust enough to know we
Assurance Programme details and began to work through are market access compliant for all markets. This will help
what was required. We quickly realised that the majority of our packhouse programme our fruit into the flow plan and
what we had to do was already part of the existing industry will give our exporter flexibility when the market demand
AvoGreen compliance programme. changes, which it will.
Why were we keen to step up and do this? While the audit with the Chinese delegates was daunting,
We believe it is not a matter of if, but when other once the process was completed we realised it was
markets will be needed for avocados from New Zealand. well within our capability and found it a great learning
The current buoyancy in the Australian market is experience. We gained a lot of valuable learning and
potentially giving us a false sense of security. There will be feedback, and in the end found it very informative.
an impact to New Zealand when Chile gains full market The experience has given us a better understanding
access into Australia and the Western Australian domestic of why the compliance and audit system is so important
production comes on full stream. for growing and it is heartening to recognise our current
The systems needed for compliance to China are only process is aligned to this need. There is a lot of work
marginally different to what is needed for the markets we behind the scenes to secure a new market and we enjoyed
currently supply, and potentially other global markets we the chance to be involved to help the industry with this
will need in the future. While we were doing everything process. All we have to do now is maintain our folder and
that was required under the AvoGreen programme, during keep the records up to date.
Avoscene May 2018 l 21Building employee engagement is
good for your business Rob Thomson, Safe Business Solutions
When it comes to employment, it’s a to feel engaged, they had to:
buyer’s market out there. • Feel that their work was meaningful and made
a difference
The relationship between employers and employees has • Feel valued, trusted and respected
undergone a significant shift and now more than ever, there • Feel safe, secure and self-confident in their role
is a retention and safety need for employers to invest time,
In other words, the more an employee feels part of a
energy and consideration to their employees.
community, the more likely it is that they are engaged
Employees might be driven by any number of external with what they do.
motivators – whether it’s a pay cheque or flexible working
We often spend more time working than we do with
– but how many genuinely care about the success of your
our families, so it makes sense to consider all the features
company? Whether your company is small to medium or
of the working environment. It’s not just all about the
a family business it’s possible there are some employees
money: it’s how comfortable we are where we work, how
who just aren’t invested.
we feel around our colleagues, how we feel about the
This is where employee engagement comes in. It’s one value of what we do. Consider these hot tips for employee
Reports
thing to bring people on board but what are the most engagement in your business:
effective employee engagement strategies? How do you
keep your people engaged, motivated, safe, healthy, 1. Show your employees exactly how their job
productive and happy? matters
Purpose can get lost in daily tasks, so remind employees
Employee needs and wants why they do what they do, and how much they mean
What do you think are the three key elements behind to your business. It’s hard to feel engaged at your job if
effective employee engagement? Here’s a clue: money isn’t you don’t see the purpose of what you’re doing. If your
one of them! While a good remuneration package goes a employees feel like useless cogs in a machine they don’t
long way to keeping an employee engaged, it doesn’t do fully understand, they’ll never feel satisfied and fulfilled at
everything. In fact, the three core elements have everything work.
to do with a sense of belonging.
As part of the onboarding process for new hires, help
Back in 1990, Professor William Kahn held in-depth
them understand their role and how they will interact
interviews with employees and found that for an employee
with not only their team but the business as a whole.
HYDRAULIC
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HOSE HOSE HOSE
HOSE
SERVICE SERVICE SERVICE SERVICE
HYDRAULIC
HOSE
SERVICE
Matty Jodi Matty Jodi
Matty
(Field Service) Jodi
Matty (Admin & Marketing) (Field Service) Jodi (Admin & Marketing)
(Field Service) (Field Service) (Admin & Marketing) (Admin & Marketing)
Julz Julz
(Manager)
Julz Jodi Julz (Manager)
Matty (Manager)
(Field Service) (Manager) (Admin & Marketing)
Dan Julz Dan
(Manager)
Nathan Nathan (Workshop Dan (Workshop
(Service Manager) Nathan (Service Manager) mechanic) Dan (Workshop mechanic)
Nathan (Service Manager) (Workshop Dan mechanic)
(Service Manager) Some
Nathanof our team Somemechanic)
of our team (Workshop
mechanic)
(Service Manager)
Some of our team
Some of our team Some of our team
22 l Avoscene May 20182. Feedback / enable an employee voice engagement. Use internal notice boards/emails to
According to a survey from Officevibe, 63% of demonstrate what you’ve done in response to what
employees don’t feel appreciated at work, and 69% of your employees have said.
employees believe they would work harder if they received 5. Share good practice and ideas
more feedback. Providing feedback is a powerful tool for More coffee! Sit down with employees every week to
engagement. talk, listen, and strategise.
Enable channels where employees can also raise issues There’s nothing better than an employee seeing their
and give feedback. Consider using toolbox meetings or ideas and work being recognised, so ensure that your
morning teas where your teams can air issues and get employees have the opportunity to share their ideas.
feedback from their peers and managers. Colleagues sharing and learning, whether in meetings
3. Think “Bottom Up”, not “Top Down” or socially is a great way to foster engagement and
create/strengthen links between employees.
You don’t build a house starting from the roof and
working downwards. The same goes for businesses.Your 6. Training - understand individual learning
people are the core on which your business is founded, styles and preferences
Reports
and if you don’t know what it’s thinking, you may run into Understand how your employees like to learn and
trouble. engage – whether they prefer to learn independently or
Focus on common issues and ask your team about how in groups.You will also find out a lot about how well they
an issue can be improved upon. The more your team are work and in which ways they are more likely to learn with
asked their opinions, the more they will feel empowered, discussion and ideas. Consider also when to offer training
trusted and respected – and the more engaged they’ll be. and for how long.
4. Demonstrate you’re listening Conclusion
As is encouraged in the Health & Safety at Work Act Your business is a community – for you, your employees
2015, if a clear issue has been identified, then it should and your managers. Communities thrive best when
be acted upon. More importantly, it should be visibly everyone feels they are included, valued, trusted and
addressed, particularly if you have discussed it with them. safe. The more engaged your employees are, the more
Knowing that an employee’s opinions are listened to productive they become, and you get something money
and also contribute to change is another way to increase just can’t buy – a happy workplace!
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Avoscene May 2018 l 23You can also read
