Zespri eyes triple growth

MARKETS: Zespri is investing heavily in developing markets in China, Southeast Asia and the Middle East and has increased its focus on Brazil, India and France.

Export earnings from the horticulture industry are expected to double by 2025 to $7.3 billion with Zespri aiming to triple its stake from $1.36 billion in 2012/13 to at least $3 billon by 2027.

The Ministry for Primary Industries People Powered Future Capabilities report said it would also need more than 34,000 workers in the next decade to cope with growth and departures. Most would require some form of qualification.

In 2012, 40 per cent of the horticulture workforce had a formal post-school qualification. It was expected by 2025 that would need to increase to 66 per cent.

Wine, kiwifruit and apples made up 70 per cent of total horticulture exports.

Prime growth was expected in on-farm activities with horticulture farmers, farm managers and farm workers expected to increase.

Skilled horticulture workers, engineers and sales staff were likely to become important. Replacement demand pressure for factory workers, technicians, trade workers ICT professionals and transport and plant operators could come into play, the report said.

The main changes over the next decade were predicted to be in technology, access to new and emerging markets and consumer quality requirements.

Zespri chief executive Lain Jager said its growth would come by marketing health to consumers.

"A particular focus is successfully commercialising Zespri's new SunGold variety. In 2013, we sold two million trays of SunGold, this year nine million trays, next year we will sell more than 20 million trays, with 50 million trays expected by 2018."

It was investing heavily in developing markets in China, Southeast Asia and the Middle East and had increased its focus on Brazil, India and France, he said.

Zespri was also launching a graduate scheme this year.

"Retention of our employees is a key focus as the economy grows and the war for exceptional talent heats up."

It employed 160 employees based in Mount Maunganui and 120 people in markets around the world.

NZ Kiwifruit Growers president Neil Treblico said technology would be a game changer.

"As technology changes, we will need more people with mechanical engineering and computer technology skills.

"There are packhouse facilities using robotics although that is still limited by some degree by cost.

"We also use GPS mapping in orchards that we never used to do, so there will be an increase of education required by those who want to be in that part of the industry."

Last year, a kiwifruit young leaders forum was set up to help foster younger growers and NZ Kiwifruit Growers was involved with a new publication for secondary schools to encourage students into the primary industries sector.