New Zealand Apples and Pears annual conference was a resounding success with delegates and exhibitors alike making the most of three days of exhibitions, tours, insightful discussions, valuable networking and thoughtful presentations.
More than 300 people attended the annual EXPO 2025 last week at the Trafalgar Centre in Nelson, which ran over three days.
This year’s annual summit took on a new approach, with enhanced networking opportunities and more trade stands than ever before.
The annual event was designed to reflect the challenges and opportunities facing the apple and pear industry and also reflects the industry’s ongoing commitment to building a sustainable, productive, and inclusive food sector, said NZAPI Chief Executive Karen Morrish.
"The conference was a resounding success, with growers and industry thoroughly enjoying the opportunity to reflect and catch up. What's more, while we were always going to be in the Nelson-Tasman region in 2025, it was timelier than ever to be there. The region’s recent weather events, and the resulting impact on growers, highlighted once again the realities of climate challenges on the sector,” she said.
“Reaching $1 billion in orchard gate revenue for the first time at the end of 2024 was a major milestone for our sector and one we have been keen to celebrate. However, now to turn towards our goal of becoming a sustainable $2 billion industry by 2035. Our six breakout sessions were selected with this mind – an eye to the future but feet firmly on the ground.”
Each of the six breakout sessions were highly attended with standing room only for many. Highlights included:
- A thoughtful presentation from Bruno Simpson, CEO, Waimea Group, who shared lessons learned from the construction of the Waimea Dam. Hawke's Bay delegates paid close attend particularly as the northern region investigates water storage options of its own.
- The discussion between industries leaders about what they have learned from international trade delegates, what really goes on behind the scenes and how to calculate the value of these, often costly and tiring, pieces of work. Mark Piper, Transition CEO, Bioeconomy Science Institute, told audience members that "when New Zealand shows up together, we are at our best".
- Hon Tim Groser's brilliant presentation, where he steeled the industry for changes ahead and shared his thoughts on the future market access opportunities for the industry. Grosser, who called the pipfruit industry the "poster child for New Zealand business" due to its productivity and export figures, reminded those in the room that the "devil will always be in the detail" as the world's market resettle from recent challenges.
- KPMG gave delegates a sneak peak into their sector market insights which reviewed comprehensive analysis and sizing of eight key markets where potential for growth should be harnessed by exporters.
- Mike Casey captured many minds with his presentation on electric sustainability, solar power and how both these things can help Kiwi farmers and households save money and the environment.
- Craig Petersen's presentation about what's new in post-harvest technology and how it can meet the future needs of Market Access
The sold-out conference began on Wednesday, July 30 and ran until the afternoon on Friday, August 1.
NZAPI would like to acknowledge sponsors Bioeconomy Science Institute Plant & food Research, Grochem, Bayer, Fruitfed Supplies, Horticentre Charitable Trust, Landkind, T&G Global, Horticentre TasmanCrop, 5+ A Day, Farmlands Horticulture, Hawk, Hill Labs, Prevar and Syngenta.
