YOUR INDUSTRY
By Kristine Walsh
It is a sign of tumultuous times when Gisborne fruit marketers First Fresh include a new prize in their annual Freshies awards … one for Courage Under Covid. “The Covid-19 pandemic has certainly presented some challenges so we’ve been dedicated to working out what markets work best in this new space,” says First Fresh managing director Ian Albers. “And the growers have been doing their bit, too, which is why we introduced this new award.” The first – and hopefully last – Courage Under Covid award went to Tessa Rodden for her management of her and husband Will’s persimmon orchard under challenging conditions. Having decided to return home to Gisborne, the Roddens bought an orchard and began the process of learning how to grow their new crops – Tessa based at home while Will worked offshore, with plans to have all hands on deck in time for the persimmon harvest. “But a worldwide pandemic sent their plans out the window, long stays in managed isolation while traversing two countries being the new order of the day,” Ian said. “At crunch time they were down to one, and for her first harvest Tessa had a real baptism of fire, dealing with harvesting crews, packaging, weather, tractor and forklift operation – even just learning how to strap a pallet onto the truck – all while moving into a new property and being a mum to three kids. “It was an impressive feat but she took it all in her stride, and with some guidance from family and friends, got the job done.” Also in the category of unconventional prizes was the Ducks In A Row award that went to Muriwai citrus grower Bruce McLelland, who Ian says is so organised he makes everyone else’s life easier. “Although relatively new to horticulture, Bruce has in a short space of time made a huge difference in the quality of the fruit from the orchard he bought. He certainly has all of his ‘ducks in a row’.” The Supreme Award winners for the 2020 season, however, were Ormond citrus growers Jason and Hannah Galloway, who had already picked up category awards for their Encore mandarins and Meyer lemons.
22
The ORCHARDIST : APRIL 2021
Photo by Strike Photography
‘Courage under Covid’ sprouts fresh new Freshie Freshies MC and guest speaker Al Brown (left) and First Fresh Managing Director Ian Albers present Tessa Rodden with her Courage Under Covid award
They were presented with the Freshies Trophy by chef, author and restaurant owner Al Brown, who Ian says was a popular choice for MC and guest speaker. “That wasn’t just because of his knowledge of the food industry, he just has a fantastic way of connecting with everyone he comes across. He even helped pack down the chairs after the event.” The awards ceremony has bounced around venues over the years but Ian says using the NZ Fruits packhouse – with a bit of titivating – is working a treat. “It just seems relevant and in context and our guests really enjoy being there,” he says. “But, of course, we glam it up a bit!” Founded as an extension to First Fresh’s LRA (Loyalty Recognition Agreements) strategy, the Freshies celebrate the achievements of grower suppliers over the previous 12 months, and acknowledge those who achieve outstanding performance across a range of citrus, kiwifruit and persimmons. “We have an amazing bunch of dedicated loyal growers who we love working with,” Ian Albers says. “This event is our way of saying thank you.” 2021 Freshies winners Satsuma – John and Sophia Ross Persimmon – Rick and Carol Thorpe Meyer Lemon – Jason and Hannah Galloway Yen Ben Lemon – Andrew and Delise Ellmers Grapefruit – Clive and Amanda Lewis Encore – Jason and Hannah Galloway Lime – Clive and Amanda Lewis Tangelo – Charlie and Vivienne Mills Navel Orange – Murray and Wendy Burgess Valencia Orange – Steve and Kim McHardy Green Kiwifruit – Michelle, Tim and Stephanie Brownlie Gold Kiwifruit – Blake and Fraser Briant Courage Under Covid – Tessa Rodden Service Provider – Dave Wilson (Harvest Transport) Young Grower of the Year – Ben and Steph Millward Export Grower of the Year – John Honey Most Improved – Doug and Campbell Chrisp Ducks in a Row – Bruce McLelland Outstanding Contribution – Bruce Van Dorp Supreme Award (Freshies Trophy) – Jason and Hannah Galloway.
