Asparagus Industry Gets Multi-Million Dollar Boost

18 October 2010
News Release

Asparagus Industry Gets Multi-Million Dollar Boost

The country’s Asparagus industry is getting a multi-million dollar boost with the announcement today of a joint venture between Turners & Growers and its subsidiary Delica to set up a new Asparagus operation in the Waikato.

The venture, to be known as Mystery Creek Asparagus Ltd., involves 40 hectares of prime Waikato Asparagus growing land, which is expected to be in full production for both the domestic and international markets in 4 years time.

Boyd’s Asparagus, New Zealand’s largest asparagus grower, will manage the day-to-day operations at the new site with all exporting and international marketing managed by Delica Limited.

Once in full production the operation is expected to produce 300 tones of Asparagus each season and will employ around 50 staff in the peak picking season.

Alastair Hulbert, Delica’s General Manager says the move is a major vote of confidence in the Asparagus industry. “This is a fantastic new investment in what has been an industry that has been shrinking. With Boyd’s growing skills, Delica’s exporting expertise and the backing of the country’s largest horticultural company, Turners & Growers we are making a strong commitment to the Waikato region and to growing the industry.”

Turners & Growers Managing Director, Jeff Wesley says the company is ambitious in its goals for increasing the market for New Zealand’s premium fresh produce to boost New Zealand’s horticultural industries. “Asparagus grown here is the best in the world and this new investment will benefit both domestic and international consumers who each year look forward to the start of the New Zealand asparagus season.”

Delica has built its reputation and growth on the supply of the highest quality produce into export markets, creating demand for premium products from discerning clientele. Jeff Wesley says Delica’s approach is an example of how other New Zealand producers can ‘punch above their weight’ in offshore markets by moving away from selling commodities to become the suppliers of choice to the top end of the international markets. ENDS

About Turners & Growers:

Turners & Growers is New Zealand’s leading distributor, marketer and exporter of premium fresh produce and the largest corporate horticulture investor in New Zealand. Turners & Growers is also a large-scale grower of several fruit varieties including citrus, apples and kiwifruit.

In January 2003, Turners & Growers merged with ENZA (formerly the New Zealand Apple & Pear Marketing Board). ENZA is a leading player in the global pipfruit trade, with strong global customer relationships and a history of innovation with new fruit varieties including JAZZ™ and ENVY™ apples.

In 2007, Turners & Growers and Delica Group formed specialist produce exporting company, Delica Limited. The company is the largest diversified produce exporter in Australasia offering international customers a complete range of high quality fresh produce.

ENDS

© Scoop Media